Marinna Benzon is a poet, actor, and filmmaker from San Francisco, CA. She has most recently become a published author of her poetry chapbook, Millennial Dogeater. She represents the hundreds of things that a passionate woman can do, and she is ever so inspiring to us. We took some time this month to focus on her, her art, and her process. Marinna Benzon is a poet, actor, and filmmaker from San Francisco, CA. She has most recently become a published author of her poetry chapbook, Millennial Dogeater. She represents the hundreds of things that a passionate woman can do, and she is ever so inspiring to us. We took some time this month to focus on her, her art, and her process.
How would you define your art?
I would describe my work to be reflective of my narrative as a queer woman of color in America.
What is your favorite piece of art you’ve made?
I’ve been asked this quite a bit and I don’t believe that I have a favorite poem because it does seem to change on a day to day basis. As of right now, my favorite poem is “Small Distractions”.
Is there a piece of art (film, poem, writing, etc,) that you hold close to your heart/why?
Ruby Francisco wrote a phenomenal poem about automatic rifles being turned into musical instruments and it has greatly influenced my perspective on growth and artistic potential.
Have there been any women that have inspired you along the way? If so, who?
Many women that have inspired me are the women that have been there in my adult formative years; friends, coworkers and relatives namely.
Have you ever been treated less than equal in your field due to your gender?
Of course, I was told that my potential and the longevity of the creative career I seek was built for the hands of men and not the small dainty hands of mine.
What is your favorite part of the field you are in?
My favorite part is that when I get to interact and collaborate with other like-minded creatives and elevate and uplift each other’s work. I have been very lucky to have met a handful of good people who want to create honest and eclectic work and in that spirit, it has inspired me to move forward accordingly.
Do you have any advice for women who want to create?
Navigate accordingly and sharpen your gut. Sharpen your gut, meaning pay attention to your natural instincts because it will guide you to the opportunities that you need.
If you were to send a thank you note to any woman in your life, who would it be?
It would be Gabriella Silang, she was a female military fighter and leader for the independence from Spain. She is a complete and total badass with a sort of punk way of doing things because she rose in the ranks for her tactical skills and her ability to be irrevocably fearless; most called her the Filipina Joan of Arc. I think that whip-smart and confident demeanor is what brought her to the forefront of historical Filipino leaders and that has always been an astonishment to me and challenges me to carry on in the same spirit.
What projects can we expect from you in the future?
I am working on a new manuscript and I am in pre production for a new short film of mine, which we hope to produce once everything and everyone is safe from the terrors of Covid-19.
Marinna is a woman to keep an eye on, as she continues to dominate the scene with her art. We are forever influenced by women like her who show us the way to break the mold and create with our whole hearts. We love to hear about the way that she is able to do so many beautiful, unique pieces through variant forms of art. Make sure to check out Marinna’s take over on our Instagram page on Sunday, March 14th, to hear more about her!
