Ben Kalina

Ben Kalina is an American film producer, director, and writer known for his work on environmental and science documentary films. His career is closely associated with prominent documentary filmmakers and series, particularly through his long-standing collaboration with Ian Cheney. Kalina's filmmaking often explores the intersection of human systems, technology, and the natural world, contributing to public discourse on sustainability and climate change.

Early life and education

Kalina grew up in the United States and developed an early interest in storytelling and the environment. He pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan, an institution known for its strong programs in both the arts and environmental studies. Following this, he honed his craft in film production by earning a Master of Fine Arts degree from the American Film Institute in Los Angeles, a premier conservatory for filmmakers. This educational foundation provided him with the technical skills and narrative focus that would define his professional work.

Career

Kalina's career in documentary filmmaking began in earnest through his partnership with filmmaker Ian Cheney. He served as a producer and collaborator on several of Cheney's early and influential projects. A significant breakthrough came with the documentary The Greening of Southie (2008), which Kalina produced; the film followed the construction of one of Boston's first LEED-certified residential buildings. He further established his reputation as a producer for the PBS documentary series The City Dark (2011), a meditation on light pollution and the loss of the night sky, which was directed by Cheney and won critical acclaim.

His role expanded to directing and writing with projects like Shored Up (2013), a film examining the complex and often contentious responses to coastal erosion and sea-level rise along the New Jersey and North Carolina coastlines. Kalina continued his focus on large-scale environmental issues by producing The Human Element (2018), a film featuring photographer James Balog that explores how the four classical elements—air, earth, fire, and water—are being transformed by human activity. His work is frequently featured at major film festivals, including the Environmental Film Festival in the Nation's Capital and the Wild & Scenic Film Festival.

Filmography

Kalina's body of work as a producer, director, and writer includes several key documentary features and series. His notable producing credits include The Greening of Southie (2008), The City Dark (2011), and The Human Element (2018). He directed and wrote the feature documentary Shored Up (2013). His television work includes producing episodes for the PBS series Peril & Promise, which is part of the public media initiative The WNET’s Chasing the Dream. Kalina has also contributed to shorter film projects and series focused on science communication and environmental justice.

Awards and recognition

Kalina's films have been recognized with numerous awards and official selections at international film festivals. The City Dark won the Best Documentary award at the Environmental Film Festival in the Nation's Capital and was an official selection at the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival and the SXSW Film Festival. Shored Up received the Best Environmental Film award at the Princeton Environmental Film Festival and was an official selection at the Wild & Scenic Film Festival. His work has also been supported by grants from organizations such as the Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program and the Catapult Film Fund.

Personal life

Based in the Northeastern United States, Kalina maintains a professional life dedicated to documentary filmmaking and environmental advocacy. He is known to actively participate in panel discussions, Q&A sessions, and educational outreach events following film screenings, often engaging with audiences at universities, museums, and community centers. His collaborative partnership with Ian Cheney has been a central and enduring aspect of his professional journey.