“Writing and directing are deeply intertwined for me. I love crafting intricate worlds and characters, then guiding their interactions to bring a story to life.”
/ Maiara Walsh /
Maiara Walsh directed and co-wrote the feature film “BIGHT”, a psychological thriller about the dangers of open relationships. She produced with Mark Hapka, and Cameron Cowperthwaite, who penned the film with her. The film starts Cameron Cowperthwaite, Mark Hapka, Maya Stojan, and Maiara Walsh. The film is set to release in 2025.
PHOENIX is Maiara's passion project, a story she has nurtured for a decade. It follows a lonely girl trapped between fantasy and reality, seeking an escape from a harsh truth. Imagine Alice in Wonderland meets Black Swan.
When Maiara writes, she visualizes every shot—how it moves, where it leads, and when to linger. Directing was a natural evolution from writing for her. She is deeply involved with the actors and meticulous about the film's aesthetic, which is why collaborating with exceptional DPs is crucial to her process.
On set of Phoenix.
“Oftentimes when I’m writing, I’m not in control of the characters or their decisions. They take on a life of their own and I follow them into the story.”
/ Maiara Walsh /
In 2017, Maiara directed a short film titled YOUNG BLOOD, a sci-fi thriller about a facility that offers blood transfusions from young, healthy donors to the aging elite. She won Best Director at Jellyfest in Los Angeles. The project inspired a feature-length script, which is currently in development.
“I had an excellent cast and crew for Young Blood, and worked with Zach Salsman as my DP. I wanted a crisp and sterile look for the facility.” MW
