Local documentary filmmaker dies

CARMEL, Ind. (WISH) - A local documentary filmmaker, whose work made the national and international stage, has died. Ben Strout died Saturday morning, a week after suffering a heart attack.

Strout, of Carmel, directed "Fire and Ice," a film about the war between Finland and the Soviet Union in 1939. It was featured at the Heartland Film Festival in Indianapolis a couple of years ago and went on to win a regional Emmy Award and a special award from the government of Finland.

Strout also produced documentaries for Discovery, TLC and other networks with long-time collaborator and friend, Tom Cochrun--WISH-TV's former news director.

Strout collected dozens of honors in his almost 30-year career in Indiana.  The 63 year old had a master's from Indiana University.

He leaves behind his wife, Yelena, two daughters and one grandchild.