You can take the girl out of Iowa, but you can't take the Iowa out of the girl. Slate carrying member of the Alliance of Women Directors.
Marissa Vonn is a director, writer, and first assistant director currently living in Los Angeles.
She loves telling compelling stories with unexpected protagonists and moments that tug on your heartstrings. Family dramas, cerebral thrillers, and anything with an authentic lead character are Marissa’s preferred projects. She has a passion for creating complex roles that challenge actors and absolutely loves collaborating with her cast to bring performances that feel authentic and powerful.
Marissa grew up in Iowa and still returns frequently. Her past few films (Next of Kin, Domicile, and Knee High) were all filmed in Iowa with frequent collaborators, DEFT. She loves bringing together crews that turn into friends and keeps a strict “no a******s” policy. She is currently developing several features.
As a writer, Marissa has been recognized by competitions for her voice, authenticity, and ability to create grounded characters. Her work on LITTLE TEXAS was honored with 5 awards and a semifinalist placement in the Screencraft Short Screenplay Competition.
Marissa's first feature film, KNEE HIGH (yes, the same title as the award winning short it's adapted from!), is currently in post production and will hopefully begin the festival circuit this fall.
On a day to day basis, Marissa can be found as a 1st AD on indie features, shorts, and commercials. She is not currently represented.
  • Writer (10 Credits)
    Dryland
    Short Script
    EIGHTEEN
    Screenplay
    Knee High
    Screenplay, Short Script
    Little Texas
    Screenplay, Short Script
    Knee High2023
    Feature
    Next of Kin2021
    Short
    Knee High2019
    Short
    Little Texas2018
    Short
    Lunation2017
    Short
    ASL2014
  • Director (7 Credits)
    Knee High2023
    Feature
    Next of Kin2021
    Short
    Domicile2020
    Short
    Knee High2019
    Short
    Little Texas2018
    Short
    Lunation2017
    Short
    ASL2014
  • Producer (2 Credits)
    Next of Kin2021
    Short
    Domicile2020
    Short
Official Selection - Regional Shorts
Domicile
Spring Grove Main Street International Film Festival
Spring Grove, MN
2020
Official Selection
Domicile
Des Moines Underground Film Festival
Des Moines, IA
2020
Best Short Film, Best Cinematography, Best Editing
Knee High
Good Grain Film Festival
Franklin, Tennessee
2019
Official Selection
Little Texas
Muscatine Independent Film Festival
Muscatine, Iowa
2018
Quarterfinalist
Little Texas
Screencraft Short Screenplay Contest
U.S.A
2017
Official Selection
Little Texas
Southern City Film Festival
Aiken, SC
2017
Official Selection
ASL
StarLite Film Festival
Winter Garden, FL
2015
3rd Place
ASL
Enzian FilmSlam
Maitland, FL
2014
Best Kids/Family Short
Knee High
Queen City Film Festival
Cumberland, MD
Audience Choice Award
Knee High
Kansas City First Fridays Film Festival
Kansas City, KS
WINNER - Audience Choice Award
Knee High
Shawnee Shorts Midwestern Film Festival
Murphysboro, IL
Official Selection - Shorts Program
Knee High
Franklin International Film Festival
Franklin, TN
Official Selection - Drama Program
Knee High
573 Film Festival
Perryville, MO
Official Selection - National Shorts
Knee High
South Texas International Film Festival
Edinburg, TX
Official Selection - Shorts Program
Knee High
Red Cedar Film Festival
Menomonie, WI
Official Selection
Knee High
Interrobang Film Festival
Des Moines, IA
WINNER - Best Iowa Made Film and Audience Choice
Knee High
Snake Alley Festival of Film
Burlington, IA
Nominee - Best Short Film
Knee High
Northeast Mountain Film Festival
Dillard, GA
NOMINEE - Best Central States Short, Best Actor, Best Cinematography, and Best Director
Knee High
Central States Indie Fan Film Festival
Rock Island, IL
NOMINEE - Best XL Short
Knee High
Clean Shorts Film Festival
Choctaw, OK
Drama Short Program
Knee High
Miami Independent Film Festival
Miami, FL
Semifinalist - Narrative Short Film
Knee High
Indie Visions Film Festival
Charlottesville, VA
Official Selection - Regional Program
Knee High
Duluth Superior Film Festival
Duluth, MN
WINNER - Best Short Film
Knee High
ABQ Indie Film Festival
Albuqueque, NM
Official Selection - Drama Program
Knee High
Canton Film Festival
Canton, OH
WINNER - Award of Achievement - Live Action Short
Knee High
Iowa Motion Picture Awards
Fairfield, IA
WINNER - Best Pro Short and Produce Iowa Iowa Connection Award
Knee High
Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival
Cedar Rapids, IA
WINNER - Audience Award - Mostly Short Shorts
Knee High
Mountain Tales Film Festival
Enterprise, AL
College
Full Sail University
Film
20122014
Birth Date
December 11
Hometown
Ottumwa, IA
Gender
Female
Zodiac Sign
Sagittarius
Married To
RJ Maurer
You can take the girl out of Iowa, but you can't take the Iowa out of the girl. Slate carrying member of the Alliance of Women Directors.
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