Benjamin Wagner’s new documentary feature, Friends & Neighbors, which addresses the current mental health crisis by “looking for the helpers” in post-pandemic America, is now streaming on PBS and is also available on video on demand on Apple and Amazon. Made his Wagner Brothers filmmaking partner and brother, Christofer, Friends & Neighbors was inspired by Benjamin’s podcast of the same name in which he speaks with CEOs, artists, authors and athletes about cultivating depth and simplicity in complex times. Benjamin also researched, wrote, voiced, scored, produced and co-directed the brothers’ 2012 PBS documentary, Mister Rogers & Me, which explores the roots of TV icon Fred Rogers’ values, unmasks the forces acting against depth and simplicity, and helps viewers develop the means to lead deeper, simpler lives.
