Beni Marquez, is an Afro-Venezuelan filmmaker from San Agustin, Caracas, whose work spans documentary features, music videos, and television production. Marquez’s filmmaking is rooted in his Afro-Caribbean heritage, diasporic identity, and experiences as an immigrant. In 2022, Marquez was selected for the 2022 Cucalorus & Working Films Work-in-Progress Lab for Black Directors in North Carolina. His current documentary feature, Salsa, was recognized as one of From The Heart Productions’ “Hot Films in the Making.” His vision for Salsa frames salsa as more than a musical genre; but, as a cultural movement.  Marquez’s acclaimed 2018 documentary, Mamá África explores the spiritual and cultural connections between Nigeria and Venezuela. The film toured globally, screening at prestigious festivals like the Pan-African Film Festival and Afro-Latino Film Festival, and reached audiences at universities and cultural institutions. Marquez is also the creative force behind Mas Salsa Que Podcast, Storytelling, and Drummer Sessions – promoting Latin American hip hop and Afro-Caribbean percussion. Currently, he is based in San Juan, Puerto Rico and in development on his first narrative short film.