Maria ALLRED

screenWriter, DIRECTOR, Producer, Cinematographer, Editor

Maria Allred is an award-winning filmmaker working across writing, directing, cinematography, producing, and editing. Her work blends bold storytelling with a distinct visual and conceptual edge, earning her recognition from critic James Berardinelli as “taking auteur theory to the next level.”

Her debut feature, praised as “unapologetically bold,” won multiple festival awards before securing a theatrical release and wide distribution. She is the founder of Allred Films, a production company focused on commercially viable, artist-driven films and innovative financing and distribution strategies.

Her short-form work has screened internationally, with three films premiering on PBS, including a piece featured in the Emmy-nominated episode “Art Beat Goes to the Circus.” She later produced the feature Somnium, which screened at 14 festivals, won awards at 6, including Best Picture and multiple Audience Awards, and is distributed by Yellow Veil with a theatrical release followed by a global streaming rollout.

Grounded in a multidisciplinary background spanning visual art, philosophy, and storytelling, Allred’s work is defined by its painterly visual language and thematic ambition. She graduated summa cum laude from Portland State University.

Critics have called her work “one of a kind,” noting her ability to push cinematic form while remaining deeply engaging to audiences.