María Alvarez is a highly accomplished and celebrated filmmaker, boasting a rich cultural heritage that is equally divided between her Cuban and Dutch roots. Her extensive expertise in the realm of filmmaking has not gone unnoticed, as she has received widespread international acclaim for her outstanding contributions to the industry.
She holds a prestigious Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Film & Television Production, which she earned from the esteemed University of Southern California.
María's cinematic endeavors have garnered significant attention and acclaim from the international film community, with her feature films being proudly displayed at numerous esteemed festivals worldwide.
These prestigious festivals have included, but not limited to, the illustrious San Francisco International Film Festival and the highly respected Cleveland International Film Festival, where her work has been met with widespread critical acclaim and recognition.
Notably, María's films have received accolades and honors from prominent and influential institutions, including the tech giant Google, which has further solidified her position within the industry.
Furthermore, her work has also been showcased in prominent and world-renowned museums, including the iconic Museum of Modern Art (MoMA),a testament to her dedication to pushing the boundaries of cinematic storytelling and artistic expression.
Notable among her impressive repertoire of short films is 'Split Ends', a 2021 Horizon Award Finalist that made its debut at the prestigious NALIP Latino Media Fest. Following its successful premiere, the film went on to be showcased at the renowned Cannes Court Métrage and NewFilmmakers LA, an event hosted by the esteemed Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
María's initial foray into the world of short films was marked by the successful premiere of "did i look cuban then?" at the prestigious 2022 Santa Barbara International Film Festival, which garnered significant attention and acclaim. This notable achievement was further solidified by the film's nomination for Best Documentary at the NFFTY awards, a testament to María's burgeoning talent and dedication to her craft.
Fast-forward to 2023, María's creative endeavors took a significant leap forward with the release of her latest short film, "Last Days of the Lab". As a result of her hard work and perseverance, María was selected as a Rising Voices fellow by Hillman Grad and Indeed, a distinction that afforded her the opportunity to co-write and direct this ambitious project.
The culmination of María's efforts was the premiere of "Last Days of the Lab" at the esteemed Tribeca Film Festival, a milestone that has since been followed by screenings at the Toronto International Film Festival and HollyShorts Film Festival.
María's creative endeavors extend far beyond the realm of film, as she also excels as a freelance director and photographer, with a specialization in crafting captivating narratives, music videos, and commercials for an impressive array of prominent clients, including the esteemed athletic apparel brand Nike and the pioneering streaming service Netflix.
María is presently a beneficiary of the prestigious 2023 Sundance Institute Latine Collab Scholarship program, a highly selective and coveted honor that recognizes and nurtures exceptional talent in the film industry. As part of this esteemed initiative, María is dedicating her time and energies to the development of her feature film script, a project of immense creative significance and personal passion, titled "Guava Tree".
