October 22, 2025
XCIX — Ben Miethke
Ben Miethke is a Berlin and Milan–based director.

Below are Ben’s SELECTS:

Film
Certain Women by Kelly Reichardt
2017

There’s so much in the quiet details of these characters — the ache of missed connections. I adore everything about Kelly Reichardt.

Short Film
‘I Am Easy To Find’ The National by Mike Mills
2019

Where I go to cleanse my palate. The most beautiful music video–film ever made.

Film
The Pleasure of Being Robbed by Josh Safdie
2008

The zoo scene made me realize that a film could work perfectly with nothing more than a script, performances — and a cheap looking fake polar bear.

Documentary
Tokyo Noise by Jan Röed, Johan Söderberg, Kristian Petri
2002

My dose of overstimulation before doomscrolling was even a thing.

Film
Gerry (BTS) by Gus van Sant
2003

Another proof that characters and location are everything. The colours even in this BTS look just marvellous….

Music Video
‘New York Is Killing Me’ Gil Scott-Heron by Chris Cunningham
2010

Massages my synapses. Reminder that more films and music videos deserve to be experienced in analog spaces, not just digital ones.

Film
Manchester by the Sea by Kenneth Lonergan
2017

“There’s nothing left.” That line tore my heart out. The way it captures emptiness and the slow process of healing feels so deeply human. I just wish Lonergan made more films.

Short Film
Amarillo by Morning by Spike Jonze
1998

A Spike Jonze documentary I stumbled upon by accident. The final scene is my favourite.

Documentary Series
The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau by Jacques-Yves Cousteau
1968

Nature documentaries were the first films I ever watched — with my brother, sister, and grandpa on VHS.

PEOPLE IN THIS ARTICLE
Jan Röed
Mentioned
Johan Söderberg
Mentioned
Kristian Petri
Mentioned
Kenneth Lonergan
Mentioned
Jacques Cousteau
Mentioned