“At 12 years old, I knew I wanted to be a late-night host. I had a vivid vision of it while watching The Midnight Special with Dick Clark and The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.” – Marcia Kimpton.
On a bright Friday afternoon in Hawaii, Marcia and I had a chance to connect across time zones, fitting for two people who were constantly on the move. Growing up as the daughter of Bill Kimpton ( yes, the man behind the Kimpton Hotel Group), Marcia frequently traveled, seeing the world from a young age, which later shaped her way of life. At 18, she traveled to Europe for the first time alone, visiting six countries and catching the “travel bug” that would never leave her.
“That experience was life-changing.” she says, “My dad also traveled extensively, though he didn’t take me along until later. When he launched his hotel company in the 1980s, I was around 20 years old.”
Surprisingly, Marcia was in pursuit of a career that was different from the hotel empire that her father was working on. Instead, she made the move to start anew in LA, taking on Hollywood and making her mark.
Taking a leaf out of her dad’s book, she saw how having a clear vision and a path moving forward would make her dreams a reality. Before getting into much detail, she sips her tea and explains, “I had always thought of my father as one of those business and financial types, but watching him create something unique made me appreciate his creative side. At that time, boutique hotels as a national brand didn’t exist—he was pioneering something new.”
Hollywood Dreams, Reality Checks, and Bardo Blues
With that being said, Marcia sought to establish herself as a filmmaker and producer by becoming a last-night television host, which became a reality at the age of 32; she recalls how films became an integral part of her life. “My love for film started at a young age, influenced by my father, who also had a deep appreciation for movies. It was a big family event for us to watch films together, and he often took us to the theater. But my path to filmmaking wasn’t straightforward.”
However, as fate would have it, things took a turn, and Marcia’s show went off air just after 6 years of screen time. By that time, she found herself dealing with a spiritual crisis, one that led to her going to Thailand. “This period was a turning point in my life. My father passed away, and I realized I needed to make a film in Thailand. That was the beginning of Bardo Blues. This journey led to creating a film and a deeper understanding of myself and the world around me.
Her award-winning film follows a mentally ill young man searching for solace in Thailand’s unfamiliar culture. During this time, in order to write it, Marcia dove into research, seeking guidance from her minister, and even looked up the works of Swedish polymath and theologian Emanuel Swedenborg, who wrote the acclaimed book Heaven and Hell. Her interest in religion and theology began when she was 20 years old, starting with Buddhism, and after that, her attention shifted to different spiritual philosophies such as Sufism. That period of self-discovery helped her write the foundation of what would be a fantastic film.
With its rich cultural heritage, spectacular islands, and cosmopolitan yet paradoxical cities, Marcia wanted to present Thailand authentically—something that wasn’t just glamorized or trivialized like in many Hollywood films. Her world travels and spiritual journey profoundly influenced the story, leading to a period of intense personal growth and self-discovery. This journey of self-discovery is reflected in the film, making it a testament to the transformative power of travel and spirituality, a message that will surely resonate with many.”
Women in Film: Breaking Barriers One D*mn Step at a Time
Being a producer at heart, Marcia notes that while there are strides within the industry for women in acting and directing, there’s still a lack of opportunities for great women filmmakers.
“Not all of them get the opportunities that they deserve, truthfully, Angelina Jolie is an exception—she grew up in the film industry, so she had access to opportunities others didn’t. But for many women, including myself, those doors weren’t open. I had to create my own opportunities.”
In saying this, she looks over to the side, looking at the sunset view from her veranda; taking a breath, she remembers how difficult it was to be a rising talent in Hollywood, one that she fervently wrote about in her book Escaping the Hollywood Bardo. “When I first wrote the book, my initial intention was to inspire other women filmmakers but when I was starting to wrap things up and updated it for its third edition in December, I realized it was also a way for me to come to terms with the countless rejections I faced in Hollywood.”
Hollywood is an industry rife with rejected bright-eyed individuals whose hopes were to be the next A-lister on the red carpet. Marcia knew this all too well, recalling an early experience that she encountered as a host for The Morning Show Manager, whose executive wouldn’t give her more than two minutes of screen time per week — unless she slept with him, unfortunately until now, this often still happens. This is just one example of the many challenges women face in the industry, from unequal pay to lack of opportunities for advancement.
“I worked hard, I was creative, and I knew I was good at what I did. But Hollywood is tough—it’s full of rejection, no matter how talented you are. I met major executives who told me I had the right look and talent, yet opportunities never materialized.”
Like many others, Marcia couldn’t understand why Hollywood didn’t give her a real chance then. Looking back, she breathed a sigh of relief: “Honestly, if I had succeeded as a late-night host, I might have ended up in rehab, like so many others. Maybe I wasn’t meant to take that path, but I’m glad I didn’t. “Bardo Blues is a significant legacy to me. According to her, the book depicts her perseverance in creating despite all odds. “
My journey has taught me that creativity and resilience matter more than external validation. When my father passed away, I didn’t have immediate access to the wealth he left behind, so I had to find ways to fund my projects and keep pushing forward. And I did. Escaping the Hollywood Bardo is about overcoming obstacles, embracing change, and staying true to your creative vision, no matter how long it takes.
A New Chapter: Film, Travel, and Wellness
We shifted the conversation towards another venture of hers. Recently, Marcia launched an app called Kimpton Travels and Films, which combines her two great passions. In an era where technology more or less dictates how we live our lives, it even shapes how we experience film and other cultural experiences.
Marcia wanted to create a platform to curate quality films while integrating her extensive travel experiences. Think of it as a digital TV and travel guide of sorts, she laughs, saying, “I hope this app becomes something like that, where independent films can gain recognition without relying on big names or industry connections.”
During the conversation, our shared experiences traveling around Southeast Asia led to me asking where her favorite destinations were and what struck her about each location, “For me, travel is about finding those truly immersive moments. When I went to Bhutan, trekking to Tiger’s Nest was life-changing. In Bali, river rafting lets me reconnect with nature. Even in urban centers like New York, London, and Paris, my connection is through art. But nature is different—it’s our connection to something greater.”
A Holistic Approach to Wellness
Beyond her work in film and travel, wellness plays a crucial role in Marcia’s daily life. “I practice yoga six days a week. I did Bikram for 30 years, but now I focus on vinyasa here in Kailua, Hawaii. I also try to get to the ocean four times a week and have added kettlebells and boxing to my routine. I feel stronger than ever.”
She emphasizes the importance of balance. “Aging is about letting go of the past, not holding things in your body. I’ve faced sadness and struggles, and at one point, I used alcohol and marijuana to cope. But now, my focus is on transforming that darkness into light through yoga and meditation. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress.”
Advice for Emerging Filmmakers
As a globally-minded creative, Marcia is passionate about guiding the next generation of filmmakers and creatives. She emphasized three key points:
- Find Your Story – “Start with what you love. If you’re passionate about art fairs, write a story about the artists and people there. Your perspective is unique—use it to your advantage.”
- Study Filmmaking Techniques – “Watch movies without sound to understand editing and storytelling. For example, I studied The Social Network multiple times this way. When you remove the sound, you truly notice the director’s choices.”
- Use Technology to Your Advantage – “There are incredible online resources, like Ron Howard’s course, that can teach you filmmaking. You don’t need a huge budget—gather friends, write a script, and create short films. Actors are always looking for opportunities, so take advantage of that.”
Looking Forward
Looking forward to the future, her latest project, American Abroad, is set to make waves. “It’s a film about a travel reporter who visits seven countries and embarks on a romance with a younger man. I’m excited to see how audiences connect with it.”
With her passion for storytelling, travel, and self-discovery, Marcia hopes to inspire filmmakers and travelers alike at any age. To wrap up our conversation, she says the key is to keep creating. Whether through film, travel, or wellness,” it’s about finding what moves you and sharing it with the world.”
For more on Marcia Kimpton, check out www.marciakimpton.com and download the app Kimpton Travel and Films, available on the Apple store.
Photo credits: Photography: Jonny Marlow | Hair/Makeup: Kurumi Schulz for MAC cosmetics | Styling: Anna Schilling
