Marina Zenovich is a renowned American filmmaker, celebrated for her exceptional work in biographical documentaries. Her impressive filmography includes critically acclaimed titles such as Richard Pryor: Omit the Logic, which won the NAACP Image Award for Best TV Documentary, and Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired, which garnered two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Directing for Nonfiction Programming and Outstanding Writing for Nonfiction Programming.
Born in Fresno, California, Marina is the daughter of George N. Zenovich, a former California State Senator and Judge, and Vera "Kika" Zenovich, born in Yugoslavia. Her sister, Ninon Zenovich (also known as Ninon Aprea),is an actress. The Fifth District Court of Appeals Courthouse in Fresno is named after her father, who passed away in 2013. Marina paid tribute to his life by creating a film for his memorial service.
Marina's educational background is impressive, having initially studied drama at the University of Southern California before switching majors and graduating with a degree in Journalism. During her college years, she worked for Hollywood producer Mike Frankovich and the press department of the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee. After graduation, she moved to New York City, where she acted in short films and off-Broadway plays, further honing her craft at the William Esper Studio in Manhattan.
Marina's acting credits include notable films such as Robert Altman's The Player and Talia Shire's One Night Stand. Her voiceover work includes Alex Gibney's Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief, as well as a rubber band in the 2011 children's film Bands on the Run.
In 1997, Marina began her career as a segment producer on John Pierson's TV series Split Screen, broadcast on the Independent Film Channel. This experience sparked her interest in directing feature documentaries. Since then, she has worked on numerous projects, including the critically acclaimed Fantastic Lies, which explores the Duke Lacrosse scandal and is widely regarded as one of the best episodes of ESPN's "30 for 30".
Marina's notable films include Water and Power: A California Heist for National Geographic, Richard Pryor: Omit the Logic, Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired, and Roman Polanski: Odd Man Out. Her upcoming documentary, Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind, will premiere on HBO in July.
