Marcia Kimpton isn’t just a storyteller—she’s a force. A filmmaker, author, traveler, and unapologetic pursuer of passion, she’s built a life that defies convention. As the daughter of Bill Kimpton, founder of the prestigious Kimpton Hotels, you might expect her to have chosen a path of luxury and ease. Instead, she carved her own—one filled with bold storytelling, artistic risks, and an insatiable thirst for experiences that push boundaries.
With over 40 awards to her name, Marcia’s films blend dark humor, cultural exploration, and deeply personal narratives. Her latest project, An American in Amsterdam (releasing May 1st), is a sharp-witted dark comedy set against the city she’s visited more than anywhere else—a place that became her refuge, playground, and creative muse during the pandemic. Following closely behind is An American Abroad, which will hit the festival circuit this year.
But filmmaking is just one part of her journey. She’s also the creator of Kimpton Travels and Films, an app that combines her two greatest loves—travel and independent cinema. And if that weren’t enough, her book Escaping the Hollywood Bardo—now in its third edition on Audible—is both a memoir and a manifesto for anyone daring enough to redefine success on their own terms.
Marcia’s life is a testament to reinvention, resilience, and the magic that happens when you chase what sets your soul on fire. Here’s our conversation with the woman who’s been described as “Louis C.K. meets Anthony Bourdain,” and who’s proving that life is meant to be lived without reservations.
INLOVE: Your new film, An American in Amsterdam, is set in a city that clearly holds a special place in your heart. What is it about Amsterdam that speaks to you creatively?
Marcia: I think because 180 different countries are represented in Amsterdam, yet the city has a population of only around a million people, its diversity inspires my creativity. Also, with so many famous Dutch painters’ works displayed in museums within just a one-mile radius, you can literally feel the art everywhere!
INLOVE: You’ve experienced love, loss, and adventure in Amsterdam. How did those experiences shape the storytelling in this film?
Marcia: Losing my brother to suicide and going through a divorce has made me truly grateful for every moment I’m alive. I try to bring joy and light to every story I tell because there is already enough suffering in the world. Amsterdam is the city I have traveled to more than any other internationally. My adventures with the city began when I first visited at 21 years old—never thinking that 30 years later, I would write a comedic film capturing its beauty.
INLOVE: Your upcoming film, An American Abroad, is about to hit the festival circuit. What can audiences expect, and how does it continue your journey as a filmmaker?
Marcia: Until we secure a distributor, audiences attending film festivals with An American Abroad can expect to feel as if they’ve traveled to seven countries while watching a romantic comedy about a wacky travel reporter named Marcia. It’s a mockumentary based on my quirky life, designed to make you laugh.
My journey as a filmmaker is something that evolves daily as I continue writing stories that inspire me. My latest script is about elephant conservation in Africa.
INLOVE: You talk about escaping “the Hollywood Bardo.” Can you explain what that means and what led you to break free from it?
Marcia: Breaking the “Bardo” in life is extremely difficult because it means you are no longer trapped in that in-between phase—constantly going up and down from heaven to hell. I escaped the Bardo when I stopped caring whether Hollywood rejected me as an actress, writer, or director and instead started producing my own stories with whatever little money I had. It was incredibly satisfying as an artist.
This memoir was written not only to inspire female filmmakers to never give up on their dreams but also to show that anyone facing adversity can transcend the Bardo in any situation. My book details how I finally did it. It’s all about the alchemy of life!
INLOVE: Your book Escaping the Hollywood Bardo has inspired many. What was the hardest part of writing it, and what do you hope readers take away from it?
Marcia: Thank you. The hardest part of writing it was reliving painful memories—fighting to be seen in Hollywood and watching my dream late-night show go off the air. What I didn’t realize was that by revisiting everything that had happened in my life, I would ultimately transform my suffering into healing and freedom.
I suggest that everyone write a memoir for themselves. In doing so, you learn to forgive yourself and others, and you gain a new perspective on your life. I hope readers feel empowered to navigate their own lives better after reading about my journey to finding peace.
INLOVE: You’ve been described as “Louis C.K. meets Anthony Bourdain.” Do you resonate with that comparison, and how would you describe your approach to storytelling?
Marcia: That is truly the greatest compliment! I strive to create original comedy like Louis C.K., but I also travel the world with my films and TV series. With my unique voice, I hope to fill the void left by Anthony Bourdain’s brilliant shows.
INLOVE: Your new app, Kimpton Travels and Films, combines travel and independent cinema. What inspired it, and what do you hope users experience?
Marcia: My love of film inspired me—especially since finding great films today is so difficult, given that so many are dark and violent. I hope users discover films from my curated list of 150 that they haven’t yet watched!
I love researching and watching films, and with my experience traveling to over 40 countries, I decided to combine my passions into an app. My goal is to curate great films and travel destinations for others to enjoy.
INLOVE: You’re deeply passionate about shifting the paradigm in filmmaking. What changes do you believe the industry desperately needs?
Marcia: I believe that every financially successful film should give back—either to the community where it was filmed or to a cause that improves the world. Making money through storytelling can’t be the only goal of filmmaking, especially when the world is in such need of help.
In my film Tanzan, I highlight the serious elephant-human conflict currently happening in many African countries. Like any problem, there is a solution, and I wrote a romantic drama that addresses this issue. My hope is that the film’s success will contribute to solving this conflict and, ultimately, help make the world a better place through art.
INLOVE: You’ve won over 40 awards for your films. What’s been the most meaningful recognition for you so far, and why?
Marcia: Winning awards is amazing, and of course, everyone dreams of winning at the Oscars, Sundance, or Cannes. But for me, the most meaningful recognition came when I saw the audience’s reaction to Bardo Blues.
During two different screenings, someone came up to me and said the film “saved their life” because they had been contemplating suicide. Since the movie addresses this tragic issue, they felt they could never go through with it. That was my mission with the film—to offer hope in the darkness—so those moments were by far the most meaningful recognition I have ever received for my art.
INLOVE: We always ask—what are you in love with right now?
Marcia: As I sit here writing outside Aspen, Colorado, I’d say I’m in love with skiing. I’ve been skiing since I was eight years old, and it’s absolutely my favorite sport. The joy of being outdoors in the mountains, exercising, and feeling completely free is something I hope to experience yearly for the rest of my life.
I’m also in love with creating. I was so frustrated with this year’s Oscars—I believe Demi Moore was deserving of an award after her 40-year career—so I’ve fallen in love with the idea of launching my own awards show called Marcia’s Movie Awards, which I plan to feature on my app.
I love life, I love being an artist, and I love the thrill of creating something new!
Marcia Kimpton is a living, breathing reminder that life is meant to be explored, questioned, and embraced with full force. Whether through film, travel, or the written word, she’s constantly redefining what it means to create with purpose. And as she continues telling stories that challenge, entertain, and inspire, one thing is clear—she’s only just getting started.
Words by Elle Taylor
