An intersection in Leimert Park was dedicated Sunday as Ben Caldwell Square in honor of the independent filmmaker and educator who has spent over four decades as a fixture of Leimert Park\u2019s arts and culture scene.<\/p>\n
Caldwell was joined in speaking at the 9:30 a.m. ceremony at the corner of 43rd Place and Leimert Boulevard by Councilwoman Heather Hutt, who introduced the motion designating the square in Caldwell\u2019s honor, and other community leaders.<\/p>\n
Caldwell\u2019s interest in film began in his youth in New Mexico when he helped his grandfather project films at a small theater. While serving in the U.S Army during the Vietnam War, Caldwell documented the lives of his fellow soldiers.<\/p>\n
Following his service, Caldwell received a master\u2019s degree in film from UCLA in 1976.<\/p>\n
Caldwell was a founding member of the L.A. Rebellion, a groundbreaking movement of African American filmmakers who sought to change the image of Black people from the stereotypes prevalent in the film industry.<\/p>\n
He created culturally focused and experimental films such as \u201cMadea,\u201d \u201cI & I: An African Allegory,\u201d and \u201cWater Ritual #1: An Urban Rite of Purification,\u201d which explored the depth of Black culture in Los Angeles.<\/p>\n
Caldwell has described his artistic philosophy as creating \u201ccultural\u201d rather than \u201cpolitical\u201d films with the belief his art should bring people closer together.<\/p>\n
Caldwell founded the KAOS Network, a community arts center, in 1984 in Leimert Park where he has mentored Black artists, creatives and technologists.<\/p>\n
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