In an exclusive conversation, Marina Martini Tomagnini takes us through her aspirations, family memories, and ambitions, sharing her unique blend of creative dreams and personal reflections. She speaks passionately about directors she hopes to work with, highlighting Christopher Nolan as a top choice. “I would love to work with him behind the camera, conceptualising and producing a film. Watching him bring all the pieces together to create magic would be an incredible experience,” she shares, noting her admiration for his storytelling. Another dream is to be directed by Woody Allen, whose boldness in filmmaking has always inspired her to explore deeper, more dramatic roles. Additionally, she’s had discussions with talented local directors, making her excited for potential future collaborations.
Reflecting on her recent journey into motherhood, Marina reveals how much joy she finds in creating magical moments with her son. She’s especially looking forward to playing make-believe, envisioning adventures as astronauts, pirates, or Jedi. “I hope he enjoys these adventures as much as I do,” she laughs, touched by the deep bond she already feels. This journey into motherhood has made her appreciate her own mother even more, calling her “the biggest inspiration” for her strength and dedication. She also draws creative inspiration from actress Ana de Armas, admiring her success in breaking stereotypes for Latinas in serious roles. “Interestingly, we were born in the same month and year, which makes me feel a special connection to her. Who knows? One day we might even be friends!” she says with a smile.
Marina Martini turns to her father for life advice, describing him as not just a parent but also a trusted friend who listens without judgment. Inspired by her family’s support, she has exciting projects on the horizon, including her long-held dream to direct a film. Sci-fi is her favourite genre and feels like the perfect starting point as she develops scripts and prepares for pre-production. She’s also been auditioning for both major productions and independent films, and with a new world-class movie studio being built in Perth, she sees a bright future for the Western Australian film industry. “Exciting times ahead!” she exclaims.
Despite being eager to explore more of Australia, Tomagnini reveals that living close to Perth’s stunning coastline often makes her feel like she’s on vacation year-round. She loves visiting Margaret River, famous for its beaches and wines, and feels lucky to have such natural beauty right at her doorstep. But she’s keen to share that Australia is much more than the stereotypical image of tanned surfers and wildlife. Australia, she explains, is a melting pot of cultures with abundant opportunities in technology and innovation. Perth, in particular, has a vibrant, supportive community that she hopes the world will come to recognise.
In her downtime, Marina Martini Tomagnini immerses herself in creative pursuits, from acting and reading fantasy novels to learning the piano. She loves exploring new worlds, whether through books or deep conversations on spirituality, science, and self-discovery. Currently, she’s absorbed in a Brandon Sanderson novel, calling him a “literary machine” whose intricate world-building keeps her hooked.
Looking ahead, Marina’s goals for 2025 are clear, it is to direct her first film, continue growing as a mom to her son Liam, and share meaningful experiences with people who matter. As her journey continues, her path is full of exciting possibilities, rooted in her passion for storytelling, family, and the constant exploration of life’s creative intersections.
