We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Marinna Benzon a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Marinna, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?

About 2 years ago, I had found myself at my lowest point creatively due to the fact that I began to genuinely question the longevity of a creative career. I seemed be teetering between the true reasoning behind becoming an actor and poet and wondered if this fulfillment was meant to feed my ego. I felt broken and began to distrust myself at every creative turn because I couldn’t tell if I was here for the art of it or here for the fame of it. Performing and writing have been embedded into my internal hard drive that the idea of operating without it shook the ground , I thought was once stable and solid. After some time and after many pivotal conversations with fellows actors and writers, I came to understand that my imposter syndrome has been derived by how others measure my success and that it has deeply impacted how I view myself as a creative.

I gave myself an ultimatum that for a year, I have to give this career all of me and reexamine if this creative career is the correct path for me. I took all the classes, workshops, read everything and after sometime I felt myself falling back into love with writing and performing.

Being an actor and a poet is a seminal part of who I am because I do not just feel like my best and most true self but because I get to have the honor of being a part of a larger story and that sense of community that feeds my soul.

Marinna, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

**Marinna Benzon: A Multifaceted Artist’s Journey**

Marinna Benzon, a versatile artist known for her talents in poetry, acting, and filmmaking, proudly hails from the vibrant city of San Francisco, California. Her journey through the realms of creativity has been nothing short of inspiring, and her accomplishments have left a lasting mark on the world of arts and entertainment.

Born and raised in the heart of San Francisco, Marinna’s passion for the arts began to blossom early in her life. She embarked on her educational journey at San Francisco State University, where she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Electronic Communication Arts. Within this program, she specialized in screenwriting and video production, honing her skills in crafting compelling narratives for the silver screen.

Marinna’s dedication to her craft was evident from the outset. She also recognized the importance of a well-rounded artistic education, and she complemented her major with a minor in theater performance, further broadening her creative horizons.

In 2013, Marinna achieved a significant milestone in her artistic journey when she was awarded the prestigious “Pinay in the Arts Scholarship.” This scholarship not only provided her with financial support but also served as a testament to her potential and dedication. It enabled her to delve deeper into her passion for performance arts, film production, screenwriting, and poetry.

Marinna’s pursuit of excellence in the arts led her to accumulate an impressive resume. Her artistic endeavors spanned various mediums, including film, commercials, theater, improv, and new media. Her training was comprehensive, drawing from the rich artistic resources of institutions such as San Francisco State University, the Academy of Arts, Made Up Theater, Leela Improv, Overcast Theater Company, Berg Studios, and Second City Hollywood Training Center.

Throughout her artistic journey, Marinna also made her mark in the literary world. Her evocative words found their way into the pages of various literary magazines, including Zanna Magazine, Firefly Collective Literary, Goat’s Milk Literary, and Perennial Press. She showcased her poetic prowess by publishing two remarkable poetry chapbooks titled “Millennial Dogeater” and “Polite Bruja,” captivating readers with her lyrical storytelling and thought-provoking themes.

Beyond her accomplishments in the literary world, Marinna Benzon is a gifted actor who graced screens and stages alike. Her talents were recognized in the world of commercial acting, with appearances in notable campaigns for companies such as Best Buy, Amazon, and Google.

Marinna Benzon’s journey as an artist has been one of dedication, exploration, and creativity. Her multifaceted talents continue to inspire and captivate audiences, and her contributions to the worlds of poetry, acting, and filmmaking are a testament to the limitless possibilities of artistic expression. As she continues to evolve and push the boundaries of her craft, there’s no doubt that Marinna will leave an enduring legacy in the world of the arts.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Fund spaces and programs that provided artists and creatives of all ages the tools to elevate their work, to support each other and to ultimately inspire.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is working and being inspired by like-minded individuals who challenge everything and everyone. There’s nothing like that satisfactory feeling of watching your world become bigger, brighter and louder than before.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @marinna.benzon

Image Credits
Photos by Jamaal