Who's Who in Benicia: Kenny Hall

Where did you grow up? South Bronx, New York

How long have you been in Benicia? For six years.

What do you do? I am a documentary film maker. Before that, I managed a drug program at Kaiser for ten years.

How did you get started as a film maker? While at Stanford, I formed partnership with Starlight Studios. I was inspired by students asking why their stories were not told.

What are the topics of some of your films? Issues relating to the healing process from drugs and alcohol.

How did you choose the topic? I had a drug addiction to heroine for 21 years. I have been clean for 26 years. I was featured in a film called Circles of Recovery by Bill Moyers. The film is about seven African-American men working to overcome drug and alcohol addiction.

What was your own experience like? I was Army Airborne in Viet Nam. My life was focused on hatred. I was an angry man for a long time. That hatred and anger was like chains around my heart. Something happened when I began healing process. A whole new set of eyes opened, spiritual eyes. What do I truly believe in, is being able to walk the path. The greatest gift is, now I am able to let people stay in my life.

What is your latest film about? Hepatitis C, the testimony of faith and the role it plays in the healing process. Faith is wherever one derives their power. It's what allows me to face adversity in my life, to be able to put one foot in front of the other.

What's your next project? A film about politics and young adults. The focus in on how politically active this area is and how active young adults are.

What do you like about Benicia? I like to sit down by the water. Benicia has captured me.