Independent Film Production · Est. 2015
Created through collaboration.
4est Films is an independent production company founded by filmmaker Joseph Bezenek in 2015. The company was built to develop emotionally ambitious films alongside artists who believe deeply in the stories they are telling.
Its first production, Strung, grew from Jeromy Darling's years of service and work surrounding addiction and recovery. The short earned twelve awards across eight festivals, including two Best First-Time Director honors, and its premiere raised funds for organizations helping people access addiction treatment.
The company's first feature, His Name Is Michael, expands that collaboration into a supernatural Western musical written by Darling and directed by Bezenek. Set in Virginia City, Nevada, and filmed entirely in South Dakota, the film brings together faith, folklore, music, and the question at the heart of every 4est Films production:
Who are we beneath the names the world has given us?
4est Films makes work shaped by the artists in the room — and takes on only the stories it intends to stand behind.
The people
Writer · Actor · Songwriter
Actor, songwriter, poet, playwright — and above all a father of four. Raised in a trailer park in Ames, Iowa, too young to understand poverty but old enough to understand love. Ten albums and EPs. He conceived Strung from his own years of service, and wrote His Name is Michael.
Founder · Director
Joseph Bezenek is an award-winning filmmaker whose work is rooted in collaboration, conviction, and emotionally ambitious storytelling. He founded 4est Films in 2015 and made his directorial debut with Strung, which earned twelve awards across eight festivals, including two Best First-Time Director honors. He later directed the company’s first feature film, His Name Is Michael.
Behind the scenes, new releases, and what comes next.
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