Scientology Network’s DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE, the weekly series providing a platform for Independent filmmakers to air films on important social, cultural and environmental issues, presents the broadcast premiere of The Best of Us on July 25, 2025.
DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE airs Fridays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Scientology Network.
The Best of Us is a feature documentary that exposes a growing national crisis: the sharp decline of volunteer firefighters—who still make up 70 percent of the United States fire service. Set in the rural town of Cornell, Wisconsin, the film follows the Cornell Area Fire Department over two years as it undergoes a pivotal leadership shift.
Veteran fire chief Denny, who served the department and his community for 50 years, prepares to hang up his helmet. As he passes the torch to a new generation, the film captures a firehouse navigating the challenges of recruitment, retention and relevance in a fast-changing world.
Directed by Cornell-native Benjamin Cook, The Best of Us offers rare, on-the-ground access to the lives of volunteer firefighters—unsung heroes who battle blazes, train relentlessly and protect their neighbors while balancing jobs and family life.
Through screenings across the country, The Best of Us has prompted conversations and galvanized support for local fire departments nationwide.
Benjamin Cook is a documentary filmmaker and seasoned editor with over two decades of experience in the film and television industry. Growing up in Cornell, Wisconsin, Cook’s fascination with storytelling was sparked in the local theater, where he spent countless hours immersed in motion pictures. Cook went on to study film in Milwaukee and Los Angeles before building a career as an editor on major projects including Katrina Babies, The Last of Us and Ozark. His work earned him an Emmy® Award nomination, a testament to his craftsmanship and creative insight.
Fundamental to Scientology is a humanitarian mission that extends to some 200 nations with programs for human rights, human decency, literacy, morality, drug prevention and disaster relief. For this reason, the Scientology Network provides a platform for Independent filmmakers who embrace a vision of building a better world.
DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE debuts films weekly from award-winning Independent filmmakers whose goal is to improve society by raising awareness of social, cultural and environmental issues.
For more information, visit scientology.tv/docs.
Scientology Network debuted on March 12, 2018, launched by David Miscavige, ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion. Since then, Scientology Network has been viewed in over 240 countries and territories worldwide in 17 languages. Satisfying the curiosity of people about Scientology, the network takes viewers across six continents, spotlighting the everyday lives of Scientologists, showing the Church as a global organization and presenting its Social Betterment programs that have touched the lives of millions worldwide. The network also showcases documentaries by Independent filmmakers who represent a cross section of cultures and faiths, but share a common purpose of uplifting communities. Scientology Network’s innovative content has been recognized with more than 125 industry awards, including Tellys, Communitas and Hermes Creative Awards.
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