Director Benjy Rose

takes a personal approach

Checking the “Other” Box is a feature documentary exploring the lives, challenges, and triumphs of mixed-race individuals from around the world. Through intimate interviews, the film amplifies diverse perspectives on identity, belonging, and connection in a society still defined by rigid racial boundaries.

The narrative begins in first person with Producer/Director Benjy Rose, who grew up mixed-race in an Indiana sundown town, grounding the film in a personal journey of self-discovery. Among the key voices featured is Dr. Jennifer Noble, a Los Angeles-based psychologist who specializes in counseling mixed-race children and teens, offering expert insights into the psychological impacts of navigating multiple identities.

From North America to Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America, the film seeks to represent a wide spectrum of ethnic mixes and cultural backgrounds, including conversations with notable celebrities, entertainers, and athletes whose stories help broaden awareness and influence.

At its core, the documentary celebrates the importance of allowing individuals to claim their whole identity rather than being forced to fit into fractions or societal boxes. By weaving together deeply personal narratives, Checking the “Other” Box reveals how connected we truly are across cultures and continents, while helping to foster a sense of global community for mixed-race individuals and beyond.