Director of kind stories
Maria Ramendik
Maria Ramendik (Zhitkova) is an award-winning film director and creative producer, recognized for her work in adventure, fantasy, and family films. Before becoming a filmmaker, she led creative marketing campaigns for Fortune Global 500 companies.
A graduate of Industry Film School (2024), Maria has already made her mark in the industry with short films and commercials that have received acclaim at prestigious international festivals. Her works include Push-kin and In the Garden, which continue to tour the festival circuit, as well as the short film Back to School now available for streaming on the Premier platform. Maria’s directorial debut, the web series Hype (2021), was recognized as a pioneering project in vertical cinematography and has even been referenced in academic research on innovative storytelling.
She works primarily in the genres of adventure, fantasy, and family films, with a special focus on:
A graduate of Industry Film School (2024), Maria has already made her mark in the industry with short films and commercials that have received acclaim at prestigious international festivals. Her works include Push-kin and In the Garden, which continue to tour the festival circuit, as well as the short film Back to School now available for streaming on the Premier platform. Maria’s directorial debut, the web series Hype (2021), was recognized as a pioneering project in vertical cinematography and has even been referenced in academic research on innovative storytelling.
She works primarily in the genres of adventure, fantasy, and family films, with a special focus on:
- working with children
- working with animals
- creating AI-powered video content
Short film "In the garden" (2025)
Director, Producer, Screenwriter,
Short film "Push-kin" (2024)
Director, Producer
Short film "Back to school" (2024)
Director, Creative producer
Short film "Your fault" (2022)
Producer
Web seried "Hype" (2021)
Director, Producer
Director, Producer, Screenwriter,
Short film "Push-kin" (2024)
Director, Producer
Short film "Back to school" (2024)
Director, Creative producer
Short film "Your fault" (2022)
Producer
Web seried "Hype" (2021)
Director, Producer
School of Cinema and Television "Industry"
Film Direction of Advertisements and Music Videos
GITIS (Russian Institute of Theatre Arts)
Methodological Aspects of Modern Film Directing
Action Analysis of Plays and Roles
Higher School of Cinema and Television "Ostankino"
Event Production in the Cultural Sector
ArtMasters Academy
Music Video Directing
Agency for Creative Industries
Intellectual Property Course for Creative Entrepreneurs
ICAgile
ICAgile Certified Professional
Film Direction of Advertisements and Music Videos
GITIS (Russian Institute of Theatre Arts)
Methodological Aspects of Modern Film Directing
Action Analysis of Plays and Roles
Higher School of Cinema and Television "Ostankino"
Event Production in the Cultural Sector
ArtMasters Academy
Music Video Directing
Agency for Creative Industries
Intellectual Property Course for Creative Entrepreneurs
ICAgile
ICAgile Certified Professional
MovieStart Talents participant
Co-author of the book Small Encyclopedia of Marketing
Speaker of the Best Speakers project
Resident of the list of 100 new filmmakers of Russia
Resident of the Music Factory project
Finalist of the Design.Factory creaton
Top 100 Marketers of Russia
Co-author of the book Small Encyclopedia of Marketing
Speaker of the Best Speakers project
Resident of the list of 100 new filmmakers of Russia
Resident of the Music Factory project
Finalist of the Design.Factory creaton
Top 100 Marketers of Russia
Before transitioning to the film industry, Maria managed created marketing campaigns and organized events for Likee, DXC Luxoft, Bayer, Ernst&Young, and Sochi 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Managed projects include:
Recommendations Managed projects include:
- Producing advertising, educational, and reportage videos
- Video marketing campaigns with influencers worldwide
- Brand activations at major events: CES, MWC, WEB Summit, F1, WTA Tournaments
- Launching IBM's new AI product in international markets
- Organizing niche events in London, New York, Sydney, Singapore, Vienna, Athens
- Developing promotion strategies and releasing tracks for pop artists
- Leading teams at major sporting events: Biathlon World Cup, European Figure Skating Championships, Peace and Sport Forum, Olympic and Paralympic Games
Maria Ramendik
Portfolio
Portfolio
Back to school
Timofey hates September 1st—the pressure to study, the chaos of school, and everyone’s fake cheerfulness. But when he finds a mysterious book, "Magical Rituals and Spells," he tries a spell to never go to school again. The next morning, he wakes up to the same day: September 1st. Trapped in a time loop, Timofey must uncover the secrets of the book, face his fears, and learn that some days—and people—are worth repeating.
Short film, genre: adventure. Director, Producer
In the garden
In a quiet garden, a woman savors a cup of tea, her chicken nestled nearby, as birds flutter overhead and sunlight dances through the leaves. With a soft smile, she whispers, "This is my garden, my life, my youth."
But as serenity unfolds, subtle hints suggest a deeper truth beneath the surface.
The film received a special mention from the jury of the Athens International Film Festival (Greece) and Beyond Border International Film Festival (India), and was also shown as part of the official program of the Salt City Film Fest (USA) and Silence Ça Touille (France).
But as serenity unfolds, subtle hints suggest a deeper truth beneath the surface.
The film received a special mention from the jury of the Athens International Film Festival (Greece) and Beyond Border International Film Festival (India), and was also shown as part of the official program of the Salt City Film Fest (USA) and Silence Ça Touille (France).
Short film, genre: drama. Director, screewriter
Short film, genre: sci-fi. Director, Producer
Push-kin
In the heart of urban sprawl, a slang-speaking gamer's mundane life is turned upside down when he stumbles upon a mysterious book by Alexander Pushkin. As he delves into the literary world, unexplainable events begin to blur the lines between reality and fiction.
The film is participating in international festivals, including the Lift-off Global Network (Global), LTUE Film Festival (USA), and the Ahmedabad International Film Festival (India).
The film is participating in international festivals, including the Lift-off Global Network (Global), LTUE Film Festival (USA), and the Ahmedabad International Film Festival (India).
Push-kin
In the heart of urban sprawl, a slang-speaking gamer's mundane life is turned upside down when he stumbles upon a mysterious book by Alexander Pushkin. As he delves into the literary world, unexplainable events begin to blur the lines between reality and fiction.
The film is participating in international festivals, including the Lift-off Global Network (Global), LTUE Film Festival (USA), and the Ahmedabad International Film Festival (India).
The film is participating in international festivals, including the Lift-off Global Network (Global), LTUE Film Festival (USA), and the Ahmedabad International Film Festival (India).
Short film, genre: sci-fi. Director, Producer
Tangle teezer
Travel back in time to the swinging 60s with our enchanting video featuring a housewife who can't help but dance and sing while using the greatest hairbrush around. This nostalgic clip not only showcases the fun of hairstyling but also reminds us that a little joy can brighten even the most ordinary moments!
The video received an outstanding response from social media users and beauty brands. It was also showcased at the FilmOneFest festival in New Jersey with the support of Sony Classic.
The video received an outstanding response from social media users and beauty brands. It was also showcased at the FilmOneFest festival in New Jersey with the support of Sony Classic.
Spec ad, genre: musical. Director, Producer
Commercial. Director, Producer
Christmas
In the lead-up to Christmas, a lonely elderly woman celebrates alone, but her life changes with the arrival of a stray dog, with whom she forms a genuine friendship. Later, it turns out that the dog was lost, and its owners reclaim it, gifting the woman exclusive handmade Christmas ornaments as a token of gratitude.
The video emphasizes the importance of kindness and care, while also drawing attention to the fact that shelter animals can become wonderful companions.
The lead role in the video was played by Richie from a dog shelter.
The video emphasizes the importance of kindness and care, while also drawing attention to the fact that shelter animals can become wonderful companions.
The lead role in the video was played by Richie from a dog shelter.
Christmas
In the lead-up to Christmas, a lonely elderly woman celebrates alone, but her life changes with the arrival of a stray dog, with whom she forms a genuine friendship. Later, it turns out that the dog was lost, and its owners reclaim it, gifting the woman exclusive handmade Christmas ornaments as a token of gratitude.
The video emphasizes the importance of kindness and care, while also drawing attention to the fact that shelter animals can become wonderful companions.
The lead role in the video was played by Richie from a dog shelter.
The video emphasizes the importance of kindness and care, while also drawing attention to the fact that shelter animals can become wonderful companions.
The lead role in the video was played by Richie from a dog shelter.
Commercial. Director, Producer
Jewelry
Dreamy. Playful. Confident. Young woman prepares for a date, trying on jewelry in front of the mirror. She recalls past encounters and thinks about which accessories she liked the most. Finally, she finds the perfect piece that adds a special flair to her outfit. The video highlights how important details are in creating a romantic look for a date.
This video was created for social media accounts of the Russian jewelry brand SAHAROK.
The commercial has been recognized as one of the Best Commercial Videos That Utilize Amazing Storytelling.
This video was created for social media accounts of the Russian jewelry brand SAHAROK.
The commercial has been recognized as one of the Best Commercial Videos That Utilize Amazing Storytelling.
Commercial. Director, Producer
Short film, genre: drama. Producer
Your Fault
Award-winning drama about a daughter who visits her alcoholic father in a nursing home to mend their relationship. The film explores the emotions of people who have lost a parent to alcoholism and were unable to resolve conflicts before their death, while also depicting how unresolved trauma can linger.
The film was selected for the official programs of Hollywood’s Monthly Film Festival, Peekskill Film Festival, Scream It Off Screen, LIMFF, TIMFF.
The film was selected for the official programs of Hollywood’s Monthly Film Festival, Peekskill Film Festival, Scream It Off Screen, LIMFF, TIMFF.
Your fault
Award-winning drama about a daughter who visits her alcoholic father in a nursing home to mend their relationship. The film explores the emotions of people who have lost a parent to alcoholism and were unable to resolve conflicts before their death, while also depicting how unresolved trauma can linger.
The film was selected for the official programs of Hollywood’s Monthly Film Festival, Peekskill Film Festival, Scream It Off Screen, LIMFF, TIMFF.
The film was selected for the official programs of Hollywood’s Monthly Film Festival, Peekskill Film Festival, Scream It Off Screen, LIMFF, TIMFF.
Short film, genre: drama. Producer
HYPE
A team of bloggers are at the peak of their careers and live a carefree, glamorous life. Their routine gets altered when one of them suddenly disappears in mysterious conditions... The friends turn into investigators to find out.
The vertical series was selected for the official programs of international festivals, including Vertifilms - Vertical Films Festival (Szech Republic), POINT OF U (Belgium), and Clapperboard Golden Festival (Brazil).
The web series also became one of the sources for an international study "Vertical Screen in the Digital World: New Narrative Form of Vertical Short Films".
The vertical series was selected for the official programs of international festivals, including Vertifilms - Vertical Films Festival (Szech Republic), POINT OF U (Belgium), and Clapperboard Golden Festival (Brazil).
The web series also became one of the sources for an international study "Vertical Screen in the Digital World: New Narrative Form of Vertical Short Films".
Web series, genre: detective. Director, Producer
Short film, genre: sci-fi. Special thanks
Breakup Time Machine
Max is a successful modern woman. So why did her boyfriend break up with her? Max will do whatever it takes to find out, even if it means breaking the rules of time travel, which, as she's repeatedly warned, could have dire consequences.
The film was screened at festivals across North America including:
The Toronto International Shorts Festival
The Shawna Shea Memorial Film Festival in Boston
The Toronto International Women's Festival
The Broad Humor Festival in L.A.
The film was screened at festivals across North America including:
The Toronto International Shorts Festival
The Shawna Shea Memorial Film Festival in Boston
The Toronto International Women's Festival
The Broad Humor Festival in L.A.
Breakup Time Machine
Max is a successful modern woman. So why did her boyfriend break up with her? Max will do whatever it takes to find out, even if it means breaking the rules of time travel, which, as she's repeatedly warned, could have dire consequences.
The film was screened at festivals across North America including:
The Toronto International Shorts Festival
The Shawna Shea Memorial Film Festival in Boston
The Toronto International Women's Festival
The Broad Humor Festival in L.A.
The film was screened at festivals across North America including:
The Toronto International Shorts Festival
The Shawna Shea Memorial Film Festival in Boston
The Toronto International Women's Festival
The Broad Humor Festival in L.A.
Short film, genre: sci-fi. Special thanks
Festivals
Recognition of films by international festivals
Contact
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