Maurizio Benazzo grew up in Genova, Italy, where he spent the early part of his adult life working for the local government, creating internationally renowned social centers and writing about education and pedagogy. At an early age he began actively traveling the spiritual path, exploring the practices of Zen Buddhism, Transcendental Meditation, Yoga, Catholicism, and philosophy.
In 1985 Maurizio set out to cross the Atlantic Ocean to reach the United States on the Leudo “Felice Manin,” a 98-year-old Lateen sailboat. The journey took four months and landed Maurizio in New York City. He remained there for 17 years, pursuing a career in television and motion picture production. He has experience in all aspects of production both in front of and behind the camera, including acting, directing, cinematography, and distribution.
In 2008, Maurizio and his wife Ilya founded the Conference on Science and Nonduality, which today sponsors annual gatherings in the U.S. and Europe drawing hundreds of scientists, mystics, philosophers and artists.