For the last ten years she has made several short films that have been screened and awarded at film festivals around the world. During her master studies she immersed herself in the director's work with children in film. This work resulted in the graduation film "Schoolyard Blues" and the master thesis "Directing Children". "Schoolyard Blues" premiered at Aspen Shortfest where it won two awards. Maria was also selected for Karlvory Varys' section Future Frames - Ten New Filmmakers To Follow.