Benjamin Immanuel

Benjamin Immanuel (born Benjamin Ratner; December 31, 1969) is a Canadian actor, director, writer, producer, and acting instructor renowned for his versatile career spanning over 100 film and television credits, award-winning independent features, and foundational work in actor training.^[1][2][3] Born in New Haven, Connecticut, Immanuel relocated to Canada and established himself in Vancouver's film industry, where he has become a prominent figure in both acting and directing.^[4] His acting breakthrough came with the lead role in the 2001 romantic comedy Last Wedding, for which he received a Vancouver Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actor in a Canadian Film.^[3] Over the years, he has appeared in high-profile projects such as the TV series Hell on Wheels and the family drama Wonder (2017), alongside guest spots in shows like Stargate SG-1 and The Haunting Hour.^[2][3] Transitioning to directing, Immanuel helmed the 2003 comedy Moving Malcolm, which earned four awards including Best Feature Film at the Washington D.C. Independent Film Festival, and the 2013 drama Down River, a critical success with nine wins and twelve nominations, including Most Popular Canadian Film at the Vancouver International Film Festival.^[2] In 2021, he legally changed his professional name from Ben Ratner to Ben Immanuel to reflect personal and artistic evolution.^[3] His most recent directorial effort, the 2025 pandemic-era fictional documentary Are We Done Now?, explores themes of human connection and mental health, earning six Leo Award nominations and an Audience Award at the Available Light Film Festival before its VOD release in September 2025.^[5][2] In addition to his on-screen and behind-the-camera achievements, Immanuel founded Haven Acting Studio in Vancouver in 2002, where he teaches scene study and on-camera techniques based on methods from mentors like Ivana Chubbuck and Larry Moss.^[2] The studio has trained numerous actors for major productions and remains a key resource for professionals in the industry. He has also received the 2013 UBCP/ACTRA John Juliani Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Craft of Acting, underscoring his multifaceted contributions to Canadian cinema.^[3]

Early life

Birth and family background

Benjamin Immanuel was born Benjamin Ratner on December 31, 1969, in New Haven, Connecticut, USA, but grew up in Kitsilano, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.^[6][3][7] He holds dual US-Canadian citizenship.^[6] He grew up in a supportive household surrounded by relatives from the "Old Country," particularly old Russian Jews known for their resilience and longevity, often living into their 100s.^[7] Limited public details are available regarding his parents or siblings, though his early environment was shaped by a strong Jewish cultural influence emphasizing tenacity and survival.^[7] From a young age, around 10 or 11, Ratner developed a fascination with storytelling and performance, inspired in part by boxing icon Muhammad Ali and the vibrant local Canadian film and theater scene in Vancouver.^[7] Family traditions of sharing stories from their heritage further nurtured his interest in the performing arts, fostering an early appreciation for narrative and character-driven expression.^[7]

Education and initial interests

Benjamin Immanuel was born in New Haven, Connecticut, but grew up in Vancouver, Canada, where he attended local schools.^[6] During his teenage years, his initial interests leaned toward sports and music; he competed as an amateur boxer in the Canadian Junior Nationals and played in bands that performed original reggae-infused punk, ska, and rock music, including opening for Bryan Adams at the Vancouver Coliseum.^[6] He also experimented with stand-up comedy at local nightclubs before discovering his passion for acting.^[6] In 1989, at age 19, Immanuel began taking acting classes in Vancouver, which ignited his professional pursuit of performing arts and led to him securing his first agent the following year.^[6]

Professional career

Acting roles

Benjamin Immanuel began his acting career in 1992 with small supporting roles in Canadian television productions, marking his entry into the industry with appearances in shows that highlighted emerging talent in Vancouver's film scene.^[3] His early work included a guest spot as Detective Pennock in the 1995 episode "Oubliette" of the series The X-Files, where he portrayed a determined investigator amid supernatural intrigue. Immanuel achieved his breakthrough in 2001, landing the lead role of Noah in the independent film Last Wedding, a dramatic comedy that premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and earned him widespread critical acclaim for his nuanced portrayal of a man navigating family tensions and personal growth. This performance garnered him the Best Actor award from the Vancouver Film Critics Circle and a nomination from the Canadian Comedy Awards, solidifying his reputation as a versatile dramatic lead.^[8] Throughout the early 2000s, he continued to build his film resume with notable roles such as Agent Webber in the thriller Ignition (2001), Ted in the crime drama Looking for Leonard (2002), and Justin in Moving Malcolm (2003), a project in which he also served behind the camera. Later highlights included Derek in the romantic drama Amazon Falls (2010) and Jerry in the ensemble family film Sisters & Brothers (2011), showcasing his range in intimate, character-driven stories. On television, Immanuel delivered standout supporting performances, including the recurring role of Sam Berger across 13 episodes of Da Vinci's City Hall (2005–2006), where he played a key figure in the political drama centered on Vancouver's municipal underbelly. He later appeared as Dr. Ivon Teslia in seven episodes of the sci-fi series Travelers (2016–2018), contributing to its exploration of time-travel ethics.^[9] With over 100 acting credits to his name, his work spans genres, including Mr. Davenport in the heartfelt family film Wonder (2017) and Dr. Gann in the adventure A Dog's Way Home (2019).^[3] In recent years, Immanuel has maintained an active presence, taking on the role of Peter in the dystopian thriller Can I Get a Witness (2024), which examines themes of sacrifice and societal collapse. He also appeared as David in the drama Field Sketches (2025), directed by Carl Bessai, continuing his tradition of collaborating on thoughtful Canadian cinema.

Directing and screenwriting

Benjamin Immanuel made his directorial debut with Moving Malcolm (2003), a comedy-drama that he also wrote and starred in as Gene Locklin, a screenwriter who returns to Vancouver from Los Angeles after his fiancée leaves him, attempting to win her back.^[10][11] The film, which earned four awards including Best Feature at the Washington D.C. Independent Film Festival, showcased Immanuel's early ability to blend humor with emotional depth in a character-focused narrative.^[11] In 2013, Immanuel wrote and directed Down River, a drama centered on three young women on the cusp of artistic success who grapple with personal crises under the guidance of an older mentor facing her own health struggles.^[12] Filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia, the story explores themes of mentorship, friendship, and self-discovery, drawing inspiration from Immanuel's real-life bond with the late actress Babz Chula.^[13][14] The film received nine awards and twelve nominations, including Most Popular Canadian Film at the 2013 Vancouver International Film Festival.^[11] Immanuel's screenwriting often emphasizes introspective, character-driven narratives set against Canadian backdrops, incorporating personal experiences to create authentic portrayals of human relationships and emotional resilience without veering into sentimentality.^[11] His style balances poignancy and humor, prioritizing simple, direct storytelling that highlights interpersonal dynamics and individual growth.^[11] A notable recent project is Are We Done Now? (2025), a hybrid fictional documentary that Immanuel wrote, directed, and produced, examining the effects of global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and relationships through sessions between a therapist and her young clients.^[15][16] The film, which blends scripted scenes with documentary elements for a self-reflective tone, had its world premiere at the Available Light Film Festival in Whitehorse, Canada, on February 8, 2025, where it won the Audience Choice Award for Best Feature Film, received a VOD release on September 30, 2025, and six nominations at the 2025 Leo Awards.^[16] Throughout his directing career, Immanuel has frequently taken on producing roles for his self-written projects, fostering collaborations with local Vancouver-based talent, including actors from his Haven Acting Studio, to support independent Canadian cinema.^[11][2] This hands-on approach has enabled him to maintain creative control while building a body of work rooted in regional stories and performers.^[11]

Teaching and other contributions

In 2002, Benjamin Immanuel founded Haven Acting Studio in Vancouver's Mount Pleasant neighborhood, where he instructs aspiring and professional performers in acting techniques through specialized scene study and on-camera classes.^[2][3] Immanuel's teaching philosophy centers on an individualized approach tailored to each student's needs, influenced by mentors like Ivana Chubbuck, Larry Moss, and Patsy Rodenburg, with a strong emphasis on practical scene work, emotional authenticity, and industry preparation via the studio's core principles of comprehension, clarity, and commitment.^[17] His classes foster a professional environment of respect and collaboration, equipping actors with tools for long-term career development without gimmicks or shortcuts.^[17] Through his mentorship at Haven, Immanuel has guided students who have collaborated on his projects, including appearances in his 2025 film Are We Done Now?, a collaborative work inspired by their real pandemic experiences.^[18] In addition to his film work, Immanuel produced the one-man show Casey and the Octopus in 2020, which he wrote and directed for 19-year-old cancer survivor Casey Wright.^[2] Immanuel supports the local arts community in British Columbia by participating in film festivals and workshops, such as leading panel discussions on acting methods at the Vancouver International Film Festival.^[19]

Personal life

Name change

Benjamin Immanuel, originally credited professionally as Ben Ratner or Benjamin Ratner, began his acting career in 1992 with a small role in the film Leaving Normal.^[20] Over the subsequent decades, he built a substantial body of work under that name, appearing in over 100 film and television projects.^[3] In 2021, Immanuel legally and professionally transitioned to using his middle name, adopting Ben Immanuel as his primary stage name to distinguish himself from the Hollywood director and producer Brett Ratner, with whom he shares no relation.^[8] The change was motivated by repeated instances of career confusion, such as mistaken associations in casting inquiries and media coverage, which had hindered his professional recognition.^[11] The transition involved updating his credits on major industry databases, including IMDb, where past works remain listed under his original name for historical accuracy while new projects reflect the updated moniker.^[3] Immanuel announced the decision directly on his personal website in August 2021, emphasizing the practical need for clarity in an industry prone to name overlaps, and has referenced it in subsequent profiles and interviews to guide audiences and collaborators.^[8] This shift facilitated a clearer professional identity, allowing him to proceed without the ongoing encumbrance of misattribution.^[8]

Marriage and family

Benjamin Immanuel was previously married to actress Lori Triolo; the marriage ended in divorce prior to 2009.^[21] He has been married to Canadian actress Jennifer Spence since 2011. The couple met in 2009 in Vancouver, where Immanuel (then known as Ben Ratner) was teaching an acting class and Spence was a student; they began their relationship after she completed the course.^[22] Immanuel and Spence reside in Vancouver, British Columbia, maintaining a low profile regarding their personal family life. Their shared involvement in the British Columbia film industry has fostered mutual interests, including attending film festivals together and participating in joint public appearances, such as interviews promoting collaborative projects.^[23] Spence has played a supportive role in Immanuel's personal and professional transitions, providing encouragement during demanding endeavors like film productions; this partnership extends to broader life changes, including his name change in 2021.^[22][8]

Awards and recognition

Film awards

Benjamin Immanuel has received several accolades for his contributions to film as both an actor and director, with a focus on Canadian cinema. His early acting wins from the Vancouver Film Critics Circle (VFCC) highlighted his breakout performances in independent features, while later directing honors recognized his work in British Columbia-based productions. Over his career, he has garnered approximately five major wins and ten nominations in film categories, emphasizing narrative-driven stories often exploring personal and familial themes.^[8][11] In 2001, Immanuel won the VFCC Award for Best Actor in a Canadian Film for his leading role in Last Wedding, directed by Neil Goldberg, where he portrayed a complex family man navigating relationships and loss; this marked his first major critical recognition in feature films.^[8] He also earned a nomination for Best Male Performance in a Feature Film at the Canadian Comedy Awards. In 2003, he secured the VFCC Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Canadian Film for Looking for Leonard, directed by Matt Bissonnette, in which he played a small-time robber grappling with loyalty and routine; this win underscored his versatility in ensemble-driven indie comedies.^[8] Transitioning to directing, Immanuel's 2013 feature Down River, which he also wrote and produced, received the 2014 VFCC Award for Best British Columbia Film, celebrating its authentic depiction of rural family dynamics and reconciliation. The film also won him the Leo Award for Best Screenwriting in a Motion Picture that year, though he was nominated for Best Direction in a Motion Picture without a win; additional honors included the Most Popular Canadian Film award and an honorable mention for Best Emerging BC Filmmaker at the 2013 Vancouver International Film Festival.^[11][24] For his 2024 directorial effort Are We Done Now?, a fictionalized documentary on mental health amid global crises, Immanuel received the Best Canadian Feature (Fiction) award (tied with Paying for It) at the Available Light Film Festival and an Audience Choice Award there. The film earned 6 nominations at the 2025 Leo Awards, including for him in Best Screenwriting in a Motion Picture, and won Best Supporting Performance in a Motion Picture for Natalie Farrow.^[25][26][27]

Other honors

Immanuel received the 2013 UBCP/ACTRA John Juliani Award of Excellence for significant achievement as a performing artist and distinguished contributions to the lives of performing artists in British Columbia, recognizing his multifaceted role that encompasses acting, directing, and education through Haven Acting Studio.^[28][2] The studio, founded by Immanuel in 2002, has been praised in industry testimonials for fostering a professional environment that supports veteran and emerging actors, with alumni crediting it for career breakthroughs in film, television, and theatre, thereby enhancing Vancouver's local acting ecosystem.^[2] In addition to his performative accolades, Immanuel earned recognition for independent producing with the 2004 Grand Jury Award for Best Feature at the Washington D.C. Independent Film Festival for Moving Malcolm (2003), where he served as producer alongside his directorial duties.^[29] Immanuel's broader contributions include advocacy for mental health awareness through his 2024 film Are We Done Now?, a dramedy depicting the psychological toll of COVID-19 lockdowns on a therapist and her clients, which has been highlighted in Canadian film screenings for addressing pandemic-era emotional isolation in British Columbia.^[16][18] His legacy in Canadian cinema is noted for integrating acting pedagogy with filmmaking, as evidenced by his leadership in educational panels at events like the Vancouver International Film Festival, where he discusses the enduring influence of Method acting on contemporary performers, bridging practical training with on-screen innovation.^[19]

Filmography

Feature films

Benjamin Immanuel, formerly known professionally as Ben Ratner, has accumulated over 50 credits in feature films across his career, predominantly in Canadian independent productions. His roles span leads, supporting parts, and brief appearances, often showcasing his versatility in drama and comedy. He has also directed, written, and produced select projects, blending acting with behind-the-scenes contributions. The following is a chronological overview of his feature film involvement, highlighting key examples with role details.

• 1992: Leaving Normal – Played the Next Nearest Guy, a brief supporting role in this road drama following two women on a journey of self-discovery.
• 1993: Tomcat: Dangerous Desires – Portrayed Fred, a supporting character in this erotic thriller.
• 1995: Magic in the Water – Acted as FX Man, contributing to the special effects team in this family fantasy about a lake monster legend.
• 1995: Midnight Heat – Appeared as Agent, a minor law enforcement role in this crime drama.
• 1998: Wrongfully Accused – Cameo appearance in this action-comedy parody of The Fugitive, starring Leslie Nielsen.
• 1998: American Dragons – Supporting role in this martial arts action film.
• 1998: Zacharia Farted – Brief role in this quirky Canadian indie comedy.
• 2001: Last Wedding – Lead role as Noah, a young groom navigating family chaos in this romantic comedy that premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.^[30]
• 2001: Ignition – Supporting actor in this thriller involving corporate intrigue and espionage.
• 2002: Long Life, Happiness & Prosperity – Played a key supporting role in this Vancouver-set family drama blending Chinese superstitions with everyday life.
• 2002: Looking for Leonard – Lead role in this indie drama about a woman searching for her missing friend in a seedy underworld.
• 2003: Agent Cody Banks – Supporting role in this family spy comedy starring Frankie Muniz.
• 2003: A Guy Thing – Cameo in this romantic comedy with Jason Lee and Julia Stiles.
• 2003: Moving Malcolm – Director, writer, and producer; also appeared in a supporting capacity in this road trip comedy about relocating an elderly relative.
• 2006: Expiration Date – Lead role in this dark comedy about a hitman with a conscience.
• 2006: Mount Pleasant – Portrayed Doug Cameron in this ensemble drama exploring suburban tensions.
• 2007: Numb – Supporting actor in this psychological drama starring Matthew Perry.
• 2007: American Venus – Role in this indie drama about a beauty pageant contestant's journey.
• 2010: Repeaters – Lead role as one of three characters reliving the same day in this time-loop thriller.
• 2010: Amazon Falls – Supporting lead in this road drama following a burlesque dancer's cross-country trip.
• 2010: Fathers & Sons – Lead role as a father reconnecting with his son in this emotional family indie.
• 2011: Sisters & Brothers – Ensemble role in this comedy-drama about sibling relationships.
• 2013: Down River – Director and actor in a supporting role; this drama explores female friendship and mentorship, inspired by his late colleague Babz Chula.^[12]
• 2017: Wonder – Played Mr. Davenport, a teacher in this heartfelt family film based on R.J. Palacio's novel.^[31]
• 2019: A Dog's Way Home – Supporting voice and live-action role in this adventure about a dog's journey home.
• 2024: Can I Get a Witness? – Role as Peter.^[32]
• 2025: Are We Done Now? – Director, actor (as Dov), and producer; a pandemic-era fictional documentary exploring themes of human connection and mental health.^[15]
• 2025: Field Sketches – Role as David in this upcoming indie drama directed by Carl Bessai.

This selection represents his diverse contributions to Canadian indies and international projects, with many early roles in low-budget Vancouver productions that helped establish his presence in the industry.^[3]

Television appearances

Benjamin Immanuel began his television career with guest roles in prominent science fiction series during the 1990s. In 1995, he appeared in an episode of The X-Files, marking an early foray into genre television. Two years later, in 1997, he guest-starred in Stargate SG-1, further establishing his presence in sci-fi narratives. Immanuel transitioned to more substantial recurring roles in the 2000s. He portrayed Sam Berger in 13 episodes of the Canadian political drama Da Vinci's City Hall from 2005 to 2006, playing a key supporting character in the Vancouver-set series. This role highlighted his versatility in dramatic ensemble casts, primarily within Canadian productions. In the 2010s, Immanuel returned to science fiction with a recurring role as Ivon Teslia in seven episodes of the time-travel series Travelers across its 2016–2018 run.^[33] He also appeared in a recurring role as Clement Beale in five episodes of Hell on Wheels (2011–2012).^[34] Immanuel's television work continued into the 2020s with guest appearances in contemporary series, including roles in Face to Face with David (2023). Overall, he has accumulated over 50 television credits, blending sci-fi elements with drama and comedy, often in Canadian-made content that underscores his roots in Vancouver's film industry.^[3]