Alexander Ku (https://vimeo.com/alexanderku)

“I did a screenwriting class with Dr Ben Crisp a few years ago and found him to be a passionate, down-to-earth, and incredibly generous lecturer. Right from the beginning, he fostered a sense of professional respect and trust. He was always encouraging, deeply observant, and genuinely interested in human behaviour, just like any great screenwriter.

Working under his supervision, I completed the screenplay for The Captive in a relatively short time. We also held several writers’ room sessions where we efficiently discussed character development, story logic, and narrative arcs.

Ben gave me the space to write, let us find our own voice as writers, and knew when to step back and when to offer thoughtful, non-judgemental feedback – always respecting each writer’s personal style and sensibility. His insight and warmth left a lasting impression and made the writing process truly inspiring.

The film went on to receive several awards, including multiple Best Film prizes, Best Screenplay, and an Audience Award at festivals across Europe, the US, Asia, and Australia. I’m very grateful – thanks, Ben.”

Best Drama Short at the London Independent Film Awards, Best Screenplay at the Robinson Film Awards in Italy, Best Story (Audience Award) at the LGBT Los Angeles Film Festival, Best Drama at the Milan Independent Awards, Best LGBTQ Short at the Austin International Art Festival, Best Drama and Best LGBT at the Dublin Movie Awards, and an Honourable Mention at the ARFF International (Berlin) Annual Awards. Finalist at the Cannes Film Awards.

Official Selection at the LGBTQ+ Los Angeles Film Festival, 2025 LGBTQ Unbordered International Film Festival, New York International Film Awards, Stockholm City Film Festival, Hollywood Best Indie Film Awards, Buenos Aires Indie Shorts Awards, and Central Coast Film Festival 2024. Honourable Mentions from the New York International Film Awards (Drama Film), Berlin Film Awards, and the 2024 Buenos Aires Indie Shorts Awards.