Christie Marchese is the founder and CEO of Kinema, a social cinema platform that is redefining the economics of storytelling. They do this through an innovative platform that enables filmmakers and independent studios to create and manage bespoke distribution networks, opening up new revenue streams and leveraging the unifying power of stories to drive social change, engage global audiences, and foster communities. She was previously the founder and CEO of Picture Motion, an award-winning impact agency working with studios, streamers, and filmmakers to develop and execute impact campaigns around film and TV.

Her diverse career includes managing digital strategy for the Social Action group at Participant Media, and program management & social media strategy at Norman Lear’s nonprofit Declare Yourself. She previously spent time at Human Rights Watch and the International Rescue Committee. She’s won several industry recognitions, including being named one of Fortune’s Rising Female Founders in 2023 and Fast Company’s Most Creative People in 2021. An expert in using film for social change, Marchese has spoken at film festivals, government cultural programs, and tech conferences worldwide.

Christie is a founding board member of Reinvent Stockton, a foundation that invests in the city of Stockton and its people by cultivating innovative community-responsive programs and policies that enhance educational, economic, and civic opportunities for Stockton’s historically marginalized communities. She is also currently on the board of Subject Matter, which provides funds & resources to documentary films highlighting urgent social issues and to nonprofits tackling the featured topics. She holds a BA from SDSU, double majoring in International Security and Conflict Resolution (ISCOR) and Religious Studies, focusing on the Middle East and receiving a minor in Arabic.