Marina Watson is a multilingual journalist, producer and director specialising in human rights and the arts — often blending the two. She has been published in TIME, the Financial Times, and the Thomson Reuters Foundation, and has produced and directed content for leading media outlets and global brands.
Creating emotive stories that resonate. Sign up with your email address to stay in the loop!
WRITING
✎ᝰ. Whether crafting articles for the Financial Times or penning character-driven narratives for films or branded content, I strive to write with a blend of journalistic insight and compassion.
Paula Rego’s dazzling and radical visions
Financial Times
Solitary figures: Nadav Kander
British Journal of Photography
René Burri’s colour works
Magnum Photos
'Big Witches' survive eviction, become music stars
Thomson Reuters Foundation
Want to know how Portugal won its War on Drugs? It ended it
The Globe Post
“Microdoses” of Psychedelic drugs could cure depression
The Globe Post
Newsha Tavakolian: Premenstrual Syndrome
British Journal of Photography
Q&A: Mexican photographer Graciela Iturbide
British Journal of Photography
How India’s women are fighting against rape
Equal Times
Portugal’s disabled population continue to struggle
Equal Times
Catalonia Riddled With Tension Amid Independence Turmoil
The Globe Post
Spain Targets Male Attitudes in Fight Against Gender Violence
The Globe Post
LATEST PROJECTS
🎙For Wondery'sThe Spy Who series, I have been collaborating closely with Yellow Ant’s team to provide in-depth research support, ensuring historical accuracy and authenticity for each episode, and diving into the rich details that bring these incredible stories of espionage and courage to life.
▶• ılıılıılılıılıılı. The Spy Who Wouldn't Lie
I conceived the show's title and researched the moving story of a courageous British resistance agent in Nazi-occupied France, a skilled radio operator whose mission ultimately led to her capture by the Gestapo.
👀 There’s more...
FILM, TV & DIGITAL CONTENT
🎬 I have contributed to a variety of compelling projects, from thought-provoking documentaries to engaging short films. Whether managing locations, writing scripts, or producing gripping documentaries, my work spans multiple roles and formats, bringing impactful stories to audiences with creative depth and authenticity.
▸ The Diamond
Location Manager
Featured in The New Yorker, and winner at Aspen Shortsfest 2022. My work involved scouting environments that could visually reflect the protagonist Stefan’s loneliness and existential struggle, from the solitary bin-strewn alley to the mysterious forest where a gleaming diamond changes his fate. Each location enhanced the film’s blend of magical realism and bleak humor.
▸ The Xavega Fishermen
Director
A micro documentary short exploring the unique fishing tradition of this coastal community, capturing the rich cultural heritage and everyday life of the Xávega fishermen through Mario’s perspective.
▸ 'How to Win a War on Drugs'
Field producer
Contributed to one of The New York Times’ most powerful pieces on drug policy reform, working with two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nicholas Kristof to produce a high-impact story on Portugal's pioneering drug decriminalization policy. From active heroin users to public health outreach workers, I secured high-trust interviews that brought depth and humanity to the piece.
PHOTOGRAPHY
📷 In addition to film and digital content, I'm passionate about art and photography, with experience across portraiture, on-set photography, and documentary-style imagery.
If you’re interested in exploring how I can assist your organisation, or to request more samples, please feel free to reach out. ツ
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