Obie Benz, a philanthropist and filmmaker, has dedicated his life to supporting social justice causes through various charitable organizations and initiatives.
In 1971, Benz founded the Vanguard Foundation, which provided grants to activist groups in San Francisco and helped establish the Film Fund to support documentary filmmakers.
In 1975, he organized Pacific Alliance, a production company that produced benefit concerts for anti-nuclear power and American Indian treaty rights organizations, featuring notable musicians such as Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, and Graham Nash.
In the 1980s, Benz began making documentaries, including "Americas in Transition," which challenged US foreign policy in Latin America and earned an Academy Award nomination in 1981, as well as numerous other prizes.
He also created two anti-weapons music videos used by John Denver in his concert performances.
In the late 1980s, Benz produced and directed "Heavy Petting," a comedy about teen sexuality that played in 75 cities and was sold to major foreign markets.
In the 1990s, he produced and directed "In My Generation," a documentary about rock and roll in the 1960s, which became the best-selling part of the Warner Bros / Time Life series.
Benz has also worked with Amnesty International, creating numerous short films about individuals and organizations supporting human rights issues.
Additionally, he produced a DVD for V-Day, an organization founded by Eve Ensler to combat violence against women.
Benz has been featured in various articles and books about progressive philanthropy, as he was a key organizer in the 1970s of groups encouraging people with inherited wealth to make charitable contributions.
He is also an editor and contributor to the book "Robin Hood Was Right," which suggests ways people can support community organizing and activist projects.
Currently, Benz is writing a memoir, reflecting on his life's work and legacy.
