If you ever tuned into PMN Sunday night in the 80s, 90s, or even more recently, then chances are you’ve seen a Chuck Bentley film. This longtime local filmmaker was among the first independent creators to share their work through local cable access in the early days of community television in Kalamazoo, back in 1983, when Fetzer Cable first designated three cable channels for community use (Read more about the history of cable access in Kalamazoo here).
“I would like to think I gave the community a deviation from their work-a-day lives, a couple of hours on a Sunday night, to see some people they know on screen telling stories,” Chuck mused, reflecting fondly on what he calls the “golden era of cable access”.
Times have changed, but Chuck is still creating. He recently completed his 50th feature length film – complete with a screening at a local movie theater – and continues to draw inspiration from the city and the people in Kalamazoo. “The thread of Kalamazoo in my movies is thick and colorful,” he said. “I’ve done a lot to express my love and affection for Kalamazoo.” You may recognize the faces in his movies, as most are local actors. Check out his movies on PMN’s archive and his own website.
Chuck is also a donor to Public Media Network, and when asked why he donates, the filmmaker smiled warmly and said, “I’m forever grateful for what cable access has done for me, and in turn, I’ve tried to do my best through cable access for the people of Kalamazoo. That’s meant a lot to me,” he reflected. “Cable access has made my career. This is payback for what cable access did for me.”
People would even see him walking around town and shout “I love you, man!” That’s the power of local art, and how many people it touches – and if you want to support this platform that boosts up independent creators like Chuck, donate today. Without public access, Chuck’s movies wouldn’t have been seen by his community as easily. And without your support, this community service would disappear. Support local creators here!
And yes, we’ve kept the tradition going – if you tune into PMN on a Sunday night, you can still catch a Chuck Bentley production!
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