Did the Safdie Brothers Break Up? Who are Safdie Brothers?
by Aishwarya R
Updated Jan 06, 2024
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Did the Safdie Brothers Break Up?
In a recent interview, Benny Safdie, one-half of the renowned filmmaking duo, the Safdie brothers, confirmed their amicable split. The brothers, known for their collaboration on critically acclaimed films like "Uncut Gems" and "Good Time," have decided to pursue individual creative paths. Benny described the separation as a natural progression, expressing his desire for the freedom to explore his own directorial visions at this point in his life. The decision puts their previously announced project with Adam Sandler and Meghan Thee Stallion "on pause."
Benny Safdie's solo directorial venture, "The Smashing Machine," marks a significant step in his independent career, further highlighting the creative divergence between the brothers. The film, a collaboration with Dwayne Johnson, focuses on the life of MMA fighter Mark Kerr, showcasing Benny's ability to take on new challenges as a director. Additionally, Benny has been expanding his presence in the entertainment industry, showcasing his acting skills in notable projects such as Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer" and the TV series "The Curse," which he co-created with Nathan Fielder.
While Benny Safdie emphasized his intention to direct on his own, the future remains uncertain for the Safdie brothers' joint projects, including the one with Sandler and Meghan Thee Stallion. With Benny's newfound focus on solo endeavors, the split opens the door for speculation about Josh Safdie's next moves. As fans eagerly await the unfolding chapters of both brothers' careers, it is evident that Benny Safdie is set to embark on diverse creative pursuits following the amicable break from their collaborative directing partnership.
Who are Safdie Brothers?
Joshua Safdie and Benjamin Safdie are independent American filmmakers and actors based in New York City. The brothers have gained widespread recognition for their collaborative work, particularly as writers and directors of crime thriller films. Notably, their films "Good Time" (2017), starring Robert Pattinson, and "Uncut Gems" (2019), featuring Adam Sandler, have been highly acclaimed for their intense storytelling and compelling performances.
Beyond their roles as filmmakers, Josh and Benny Safdie actively contribute to various aspects of their productions, taking on responsibilities such as acting, editing, shooting, sound mixing, and producing. Their creative synergy extends to frequent collaborations with Ronald Bronstein, who has co-written and edited all of their narrative features since the 2009 film "Daddy Longlegs." The Safdie brothers also maintain partnerships with other key contributors, including composer Oneohtrix Point Never, cinematographer Sean Price Williams, and production designer Sam Lisenco, showcasing a well-established and cohesive artistic team.
Safdie Brothers Career
The Safdie brothers, Joshua and Benjamin, began their filmmaking career in 2007 when Josh Safdie was commissioned by Andy Spade and Anthony Sperduti to create a short film featuring Kate Spade Handbags. The project evolved into a feature film titled "The Pleasure of Being Robbed," which premiered at the 2008 South by Southwest and the Cannes Film Festival. The success of their early works set the stage for a series of impactful films that showcased their unique storytelling approach.
Their second feature film, "Daddy Longlegs" (2009), drew inspiration from their own experiences growing up with their father, Alberto. Starring Ronald Bronstein, the film earned critical acclaim, with Bronstein winning the Breakthrough Actor Award at the Gotham Independent Film Awards 2010. The Safdie brothers continued their exploration of diverse subjects with the documentary "Lenny Cooke" (2013), focusing on the life of a once promising high school basketball player.
In 2014, they produced "Heaven Knows What," a film based on the real-life stories written by lead actress Arielle Holmes. Their breakout moment came with the crime film "Good Time" (2017), starring Robert Pattinson and Benny Safdie. Selected for the competition at the Cannes Film Festival, it established the Safdies as formidable talents in the industry. Their subsequent film, "Uncut Gems" (2019), starring Adam Sandler and executive produced by Martin Scorsese, further solidified their reputation, receiving critical acclaim and becoming one of A24's highest-grossing releases.
Looking ahead, the Safdie brothers announced various future projects, including a unique remake of "48 Hrs." and the TV pilot "The Curse" for Showtime, featuring Emma Stone, Nathan Fielder, and Benny Safdie. However, the trajectory of their joint projects shifted in 2024 when Benny Safdie confirmed that they would no longer direct projects together, marking a transition to solo careers. Despite this, their impact on the film industry remains significant, and their co-founded production company, Elara Pictures, continues to be a platform for their creative endeavors.
Safdie Brothers Early Life
The Safdie brothers, Joshua and Benjamin, embarked on their filmmaking journey at a young age, influenced by their father Alberto, a film enthusiast. Raised in the backdrop of their parents' divorce, they channeled the challenges of their youth into creative inspiration for their later cinematic works. The brothers attended Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School in Manhattan before co-founding the creative collective Red Bucket Films at Boston University. This collaboration included individuals like Alex Kalman, Sam Lisenco, Brett Jutkiewicz, and Zachary Treitz.
Graduating from Boston University College of Communication in 2007 (Josh) and 2008 (Benny), the Safdie brothers honed their skills and laid the foundation for their distinctive filmmaking style. The family connection to renowned architect Moshe Safdie and playwright Oren Safdie further enriched their creative heritage. In their early lives, the brothers also developed a passion for basketball and the New York Knicks, with the sport playing a prominent role in films such as "Lenny Cooke" and "Uncut Gems." This blend of personal experiences and creative influences has been instrumental in shaping the unique storytelling approach that defines their cinematic contributions.
Safdie Brothers Family
The Safdie brothers, Joshua and Benjamin, were raised in New York within a culturally rich and diverse family. Born to Amy and Alberto Safdie, the brothers experienced a unique upbringing, splitting their time between their father's residence in Queens and their mother and stepfather's home in Manhattan. The Safdie family embraces their Jewish heritage, with both brothers identifying as Jewish. Their father, Alberto Safdie, is a Sephardic Jew of Syrian-Jewish descent, who spent his formative years in France and Italy. Amy Safdie, their mother, is an Ashkenazi Jew of Russian-Jewish descent.
Adding to the family's creative legacy, the Safdie brothers can trace their lineage to famed Israeli-Canadian architect Moshe Safdie, who is their great uncle. Additionally, Oren Safdie, Moshe Safdie's son and a playwright, is the second cousin of Joshua and Benjamin Safdie. This familial connection to individuals with notable contributions to architecture and playwriting reflects the diverse and accomplished background from which the Safdie brothers draw inspiration in their own pursuits in the world of filmmaking.
Safdie Brothers Personal Life
Benny Safdie is married to Ava Safdie (formerly Ava Francis), and the couple shares the joy of raising two sons together. On the other hand, Joshua Safdie has chosen to keep his relationship status private and has never publicly discussed his marital or dating life. While Benny has embraced family life with his wife and children, Joshua has maintained a level of privacy regarding his personal relationships, opting not to share details about his romantic life with the public. The Safdie brothers' differing approaches to disclosing their relationship status highlight their individual preferences for privacy in certain aspects of their lives.
Safdie Brothers Net Worth
Safdie Brothers Net Worth has a combined net worth around $10 million. They primarily generate income through their careers as filmmakers. Their source of income includes earnings from writing, directing, producing, and sometimes acting in their films. Successful projects such as "Good Time" and "Uncut Gems" have contributed significantly to their financial success, as these films received critical acclaim and achieved commercial success.
In addition to filmmaking, the Safdie brothers have co-founded the production company Elara Pictures, which has been involved in producing their own feature films, including "Heaven Knows What," "Good Time," and "Uncut Gems." The production company's involvement in various projects likely contributes to their overall income.
It's also worth noting that the Safdie brothers may receive income from collaborations, film festivals, and distribution deals related to their works. As filmmakers with an established reputation in the industry, they may explore diverse revenue streams within the entertainment business. However, specific details about their financial arrangements and income from individual projects are generally not publicly disclosed.
Did the Safdie Brothers Break Up - FAQs
Yes, Benny Safdie confirmed the amicable breakup with his brother, Joshua, in an interview with Variety, citing it as a natural progression of their individual creative pursuits.
The previously announced project with Adam Sandler and Meghan Thee Stallion is "on pause" as a result of the Safdie brothers' split.
Benny Safdie's statement on the breakup suggests uncertainty about future collaborations, stating, "I don't know" when asked if he would direct with his brother Josh again.
According to Benny Safdie, the decision to part ways was a "natural progression" driven by their individual desires to explore different creative directions in their careers.
Benny Safdie has already embarked on solo projects, including his upcoming solo directing effort titled "The Smashing Machine," a collaboration with actor Dwayne Johnson, and expanding his acting career in various films and TV series.