Meet Kristina Marie Cohen | Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristina Marie Cohen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristina Marie, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?

Yes! I’m huge on having a morning ritual routine. I believe establishing habits early can help set the tone for the rest of your day. My own routine has evolved and expanded over the years, but incorporating one or two practices each morning has made a significant difference in my overall mindset.

There’s a list of various modalities I’ve practiced over the years including meditation, breathwork, somatic stretches, writing morning pages (See Julia Cameron’s “The Artist’s Way”), taking a walk, hydrating with a large glass of water, lemon and spirulina, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), positive affirmations, listening to binaural beats, prayer, reading, yoga, and practicing positive self-talk.

Whew, that seems like a-lot.

But selecting just one or two of these practices each morning has shaped me and helped me stay balanced, especially in pursuing the wild world of the arts.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

I’m a writer, director, and actor. I began acting at the age of ten, and while living in LA to pursue acting, I started writing and producing my own digital short series called Ladies Like Us. It was after I moved back to Atlanta in 2018 that I took the leap into directing: a decision I’m incredibly glad I made as it’s been an incredibly enjoyable and fun experience for me so far. Currently, I’m working on writing a couple of feature films and new shorts in the crime/thriller genre, which I’m very excited about.

I am driven by female characters that are at the bottom of the totem pole in society — striving for something greater. I love bringing characters to life who are trying to be something other than pretty. Characters that embrace the grit of reality but in spite of their struggle, are determined to change their lives, the lives of others, and this innate desire to take their destiny in their own hands. I also think it’s important to represent different shapes and sizes of women, women that cannot be commodified, that are dynamic and that have something poignant to say. It’s important for the next generation of film to have diverse women on the big screen that don’t let beauty standards define them but, in fact, transcend any type of trope or limitation by an often body fascist industry. I want women to relate to these characters and feel like there’s nothing they cannot do.

My journey to where I am today has been paved by the support of many talented friends and collaborators who believed in my vision. I’m eternally grateful for them, they’ve taught me invaluable lessons, and continually help me in the areas in which I can further develop.

Even though the pursuit of becoming a well rounded filmmaker has been far from easy, I always try to find inspiration everywhere and from everyone – drawing positive examples from those who teach you who to be and who not to be. I overcome challenges through trusting in the Divine and the conviction that the universe will always guide those who trust in it. One of my biggest challenges has been learning to R E L A X and savor the journey.

I want the world to know that even on your darkest days the sun also rises and if you can hold on long enough, it shall pass. There’s always a blessing waiting for you on the other side.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take them to the must-visit spot in Atlanta for anyone in town: The Beltline. We would start by exploring Piedmont Park then mosey on down to Krog Street Market for lunch. From there we would head to the High Museum, eat at Gigi’s or Kimball House for a nice dinner, and finally finish with a movie at the Plaza Theatre. If it’s Monday, we’d check out Stand-Up at Star Bar. Drinks on top of the Clermont Lounge Rooftop or mini golf atop Ponce City Market would also be somewhere on the agenda. Maybe sip some orange wine at Staplehouse? And if we’re in the mood to dance, head to a Club Morph party.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate this Shoutout to Evolution Content and Hyphae Agency!

Instagram: @kristinamariecohen

Image Credits
Connor Pannell Casey Doran True Kerney Sam Laubscher