Leave The Door Open

Hallwalls is pleased to present Leave The Door Open a feature film by filmmaker and interdisciplinary media artist, Lewuga Benson. A slow-burning drama marked by long takes and restrained, immersive visuals, Leave The Door Open unfolds in the space between memory, refusal, and endurance. Benson describes it as "...exploring what happens when we fail to accept that sometimes we may need to leave the door closed on what life throws at us." Lewuga will be here in person to present his film.

Starring Alicia Dellaria (Katie), Chris Romano (Matt), Madisen Zabawa (Melanie), and Alexander McBryde (Stranger).

Artist Bio

Lewuga Benson is an interdisciplinary media artist and filmmaker whose work explores the intersections of memory, environmental trauma, cultural identity, and the mediated body. Rooted in his Ogoni heritage in the Niger Delta of Nigeria, Benson's practice examines how landscapes, histories, and personal narratives are transformed — and sometimes distorted — through the technologies we use to witness them. Working across moving-image installation, sound, performance, and sculptural media, he creates immersive environments that invite viewers to inhabit the emotional and political tensions embedded in overlooked or vulnerable communities.

Benson holds an MFA in Media Arts Production from the University at Buffalo, where he developed a hybrid practice grounded in experimental filmmaking, immersive installation, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. His work has been exhibited at Buffalo Arts Studio, CEPA Gallery, the University at Buffalo Art Department Gallery, and the New York State Summer School for the Arts (NYSSSA), among others.