Growing up in Italy, cinema was both an escape and an education for Carmen Audino. Her father was a librarian, and their home was filled with books and stories. Often, he would show Carmen films inspired by literature, a connection between words and moving images that shaped her imagination early on.
But one specific moment changed everything. In 1997, Carmen saw the trailer for Titanic. The scene where Rose looks up at Jack as flares light up the night sky stayed with her forever. That single image, a mix of beauty, danger, and love, made her realize she wanted to live inside that world of storytelling. “I didn’t know how yet,” she says, “but I knew I wanted to be part of movies.”
From that day forward, cinema became her language. She began her journey in acting and filmmaking, driven by a love for how emotions could be captured through a lens. Over time, her artistic curiosity expanded to include communication and psychology, two fields that helped her understand not just how stories are told, but how they connect with people. That curiosity eventually led her to discover the world of film publicity, a role that combined creativity, strategy, and emotion in equal measure.
A Bold Move to the Middle East
As a young woman from a humble background with no family ties to the entertainment industry, Carmen Audino knew her path would not be easy. Yet she was determined to build a career on her own terms. Her journey took a life-changing turn when she decided to move to the Middle East, specifically to the United Arab Emirates, with no connections, no safety net, and not even fluent English.
The transition was challenging. “The cultural shift, the language barrier, and starting from zero in a country I had never lived in were real challenges,” she recalls. “But curiosity, resilience, and the willingness to reinvent myself guided me.”
Her first professional role was at a boutique public relations agency in Dubai, where she worked across hospitality, technology, culture, and events. This early exposure gave her valuable insights into different industries and built the foundation of her communication skills. She worked on major accounts including the Sharjah International Book Fair, Sharjah Children’s Film Festival, Capital Club Dubai, and Palazzo Versace.
These experiences connected her to the world of creativity and high-profile events. “I realized that this was the environment where I truly belonged, one that combined storytelling, people, and cultural exchange,” she says. Those early years taught her adaptability, confidence, and the value of earning every opportunity.
Breaking Into Film Publicity
Carmen Audino’s big break came when she joined Empire Entertainment, the regional distributor for Sony Pictures in the Middle East and North Africa. There, she found herself at the heart of the film publicity world, leading theatrical campaigns for major Hollywood titles and working closely with global studios.
She managed international campaigns for beloved franchises such as Spider Man, Venom, Ghostbusters, Gran Turismo, Bullet Train, and Charlie’s Angels. One of her proudest moments was leading the campaign for Bad Boys Ride or Die, which became one of the highest grossing Hollywood titles ever released in Saudi Arabia, a major milestone for the MENA film industry.
Her role was not just about coordinating media events. It involved translating a film’s emotional core into strategies that resonated with regional audiences. Carmen Audino became known for creating campaigns that felt both cinematic and culturally relevant.
She also gained valuable on set experience, including working on Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning during its filming in Abu Dhabi. Her diverse background, combining creative instincts with strategic thinking, allowed her to thrive in the fast paced entertainment world.
In her early days at a PR boutique agency, Carmen Audino worked on high-profile events and media campaigns with global icons such as Robert De Niro, Donatella Versace, and Dan Brown. These experiences helped her develop the skills and confidence to work closely with celebrities, A-list VIPs, and luxury brands. Her success in managing projects for clients like Versace and Capital Club laid the foundation for her career in entertainment PR experience that eventually led her to join Sony in 2018.
Leading the Way at Front Row Entertainment
Today, Carmen Audino leads theatrical and independent campaigns at Front Row Entertainment, one of the most dynamic film distribution and production companies in the region. Her work spans everything from major Hollywood releases to independent and art house cinema.
At Front Row Entertainment, her role has evolved beyond publicity into full scale marketing and brand partnerships. She oversees campaigns from strategy to execution, crafting creative visions, managing brand collaborations, and developing audience engagement across the Gulf region.
“Partnerships have become one of my favorite parts of the job,” she explains. “They merge storytelling with business, allowing me to connect brands, audiences, and culture in meaningful ways.”
Recently, she led campaigns for several acclaimed films, including A24’s The Smashing Machine starring Dwayne Johnson. At the same time, she continues to explore her creative side through writing and storytelling.
Her first book, Why Do I Still Think About You, is a deeply personal project that reflects her passion for emotional storytelling. She is also developing a limited series titled Bonds, inspired by the themes of her book. The series is currently in development and being pitched to producers and collaborators.
Carmen Audino’s latest project, Why Do I Still Think About You, is a cinematic memoir exploring the emotional residue of relationships not just the ones that ended, but the parts of ourselves we lost in the process. The book blends personal narrative, pop-culture touchpoints, and visual sensibility to dissect nostalgia, longing, and the trauma bonds we carry. It also serves as the creative springboard for BONDS, a limited series she is developing that translates this emotional tone into fiction. Why Do I Still Think About You is now available on Amazon. Click here to check
The Art of Authentic Connection
Across her journey, Carmen Audino has learned that authenticity is the most powerful form of communication. “In publicity, you’re expected to always smile, always be pleasant, and that’s fine,” she says. “But what lasts beyond any campaign is the way you make people feel.”
She believes that genuine connection comes from honesty, empathy, and consistency. “You can run the best campaign in the world,” she adds, “but trust and loyalty come from how reliable, kind, and authentic you are.”
Carmen Audino’s work philosophy centers on bridging art and strategy, being both analytical and creative, structured yet deeply human. She takes pride in being able to manage a campaign from start to finish while never losing sight of storytelling.
Her success is not only measured by high profile campaigns but by the relationships she’s built and the trust she’s earned in an ever evolving industry.
A Message for Dreamers
Carmen Audino’s story is one of courage, adaptability, and passion. She reminds aspiring professionals that growth often comes from discomfort and that it’s okay to take the unconventional route.
“Don’t shrink yourself to fit timelines,” she says. “Every setback is a redirection. Trust your rhythm, protect your vision, and know that what sets you apart will one day set you free.”
From a young girl in Italy inspired by a movie trailer to a respected film marketing leader in the Middle East, Carmen Audino has turned her love for cinema into a lifelong journey of creativity and connection.
Her life proves that storytelling isn’t confined to the big screen, it lives in every campaign, every partnership, and every story told with heart.
Do follow her on Instagram
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