Brando Benetton is an Italian filmmaker whose writing and directing work spans both Europe and the United States. While attending Ithaca College, he was named one of Variety’s “110 [Film] Students to Watch” in 2015. He later earned an MFA from the USC School of Cinematic Arts.
Benetton has directed award-winning TV pilots, feature films and even large-scale live stunt shows for European theme parks. He co-wrote, produced, and directed NIGHTFIRE — a spy thriller filmed entirely in Italy, and led by Emmy nominee Dylan Baker. Featuring an international cast and practical stunt work, the pilot was nominated for Best Independent Pilot (Drama) at SeriesFest 2020, and later premiered on Prime Video and Tubi.
Benetton recently made his feature directorial debut with THE GIRL IN THE RIVER, starring Emmy winner Tiffany Haddish, Devon Sawa, Maggie Grace and Emmy nominee Ralph Macchio. The detective thriller was released in September 2026 via Samuel Goldwyn Films and Highland Film Group.
Drawn to high-concept genre stories, Benetton’s work often pairs ambitious action with emotionally grounded drama.
P R E S S A R C H I V E
The Hollywood Reporter | Tiffany Haddish, Devon Sawa’s Thriller ‘The Girl in the River’ Gets Late Summer Release and Trailer
Variety | Education Impact Report: Benetton included among 110 Filmmaking Students to Watch
Film Threat | ‘Nightfire’ Film Review
