Maria Maya is a filmmaker, director, and actress with a rich background in theater, television, and cinema. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Performing Arts from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO) and completed the Filmmaking Program at the New York Film Academy in New York. As an actress, Maria starred in over 10 acclaimed soap operas on Brazil’s leading network, Globo. Transitioning into directing, she helmed renowned stage productions such as Nicky Silver's Beautiful Child, Talk Radio, Through the Iris—a scenic documentary on Iris Apfel—and the Broadway musical Bring It On.

In film, Maria directed The Party in 2021, followed by Everyone Deserves Heaven, the first web series sponsored by Instagram Brazil. Her 2024 U.S. short films Routine and Bodies have garnered critical acclaim on the international festival circuit. Routine was officially selected for festivals like the Golden State Film Festival (Hollywood) and Manhattan Film Festival, earning Maria multiple Best Director awards. Bodies, a celebrated LGBTQ+ short, has been officially selected for festivals such as the LGBTQ+ Los Angeles Film Festival and Queer expression Film Fest, winning seven awards, including Best Indie Short Film at the Hollywood Gold Awards, Best Super Short at the London Movie Awards, and Best Super Short Film at the New York Movie Awards. Maria’s work continues to showcase her artistic versatility and innovative storytelling, solidifying her as a dynamic voice in contemporary cinema.