Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mai Benezra. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Mai, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

This year, I have taken the path of filmmaking to gain more exposure and grow as an actor. Although I have some experience working in production, I had never delved into narrative filmmaking before. It was scary, exciting, and unknown. Creating my own work isn’t easy, but I understand how important it is for my career.

I fell in love with it. Writing and sharing personal stories or highlighting topics I want to raise awareness of allows me to act, explore, and express my full potential. Through visuals and sounds I get to be creative and bring the story to life.

I have directed two short films and am currently working on another three, with the potential for a feature film as well.

Filmmaking allows me to continually work on my craft, create art, and expose myself to new opportunities. It reminds me why I love acting so much and fills my soul. I also learn in the process as an actor, seeing things from the perspective of the production crew helps me understand better why things work a certain way.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am an Israeli actress who recently moved to New York City. I studied at the Lee Strasberg Institute and fell in love with the city.

I can’t remember my life without acting or the arts. Since I was five years old, I’ve been writing, singing, dancing, playing the piano and guitar, and continually studying acting and performing. I am fascinated by this world and constantly strive to learn more and dive deeper.

Acting, for me, is about connection and authenticity—with the audience, your partner, and yourself. Being vulnerable is powerful and inspiring. The stories we bring to life have an impact, and it’s beautiful how much they can change lives.

From an early age, people have remarked on how much I want to do this. I bring a lot of passion and discipline, and I am fearless. I have this confidence in me that there are infinite opportunities out there.

I fell in love with the American entertainment industry from the movies I used to watch as a child. I was determined to immerse myself in the culture and imagined moving to the U.S. in the future. I have spoken English from birth but have worked on an American accent since I was 15. One of my favorite genres is action, so I earned a certificate in stage combat. I have been working out consistently from a young age, and in the past few years, I have become interested in pole dancing, both as a workout tool and as an art form.

I was amazed by how much the city has to offer and how passionate and excited people are to work collaboratively. I am grateful for the projects I have worked on. I have directed and acted in my own projects, and I have been cast in others, including a lead role in a feature film and a role in a series.

I am excited to continue exploring, growing, and sharing my passion for the world of acting.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist, for me, is the ability to share something of myself in an artistic way. I feel safe to express myself fully, which is liberating and makes me feel more alive. I also enjoy inspiring and touching the audience. I feel whole when people approach me to say they related to the story or were moved by my performance. Additionally, there is something special about being able to connect with a partner you may not even know so quickly. It’s raw and rare, and I cherish it.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I am very inspired by books about the mind and body. My favorite books are The Power of the Subconscious Mind, The Secret, and The Four Agreements. These kinds of books and podcasts encourage me to embrace hope and positivity, cultivate better habits, and grow as a person. Additionally, understanding yourself and the way the mind works is highly beneficial as an actor since it is an art of both mind and body.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.maibenezra.com
• Instagram: maibenezra

Image Credits

Amit Naim
Mor Tzidon
Mike Yudin