Director of kind stories
Maria Ramendik
Maria Ramendik (Zhitkova) is a film director and producer known for her work in adventures, fantasy, and family films. Before becoming a filmmaker, she managed creative marketing campaigns for Fortune Global 500 companies.
Graduating from Industry Film School in 2024, Maria has already made her mark in the industry with short films and commercials that have garnered acclaim at prestigious festivals. Among her notable works is "Back to School," which is now available for streaming on the Premier platform. Maria’s directorial debut, the web series "Hype" (2021), has been recognized as a pioneering project in the field of vertical cinematography and has even contributed to academic research in the area.
Maria has a unique talent for working with children and animals, bringing her stories to life with a sense of wonder and magic.

Maria Ramendik
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
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).
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).
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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".
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.
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.
Short film, genre: sci-fi. Special thanks
Festivals
Recognition of films by international festivals
Contact
Reach out via email or social media