Maria Vattimo is a 3x Emmy-nominated, 2x Telly Award-winning film and commercial director based in NYC. Her directorial work spans comedic commercials, poetic branded spots, and award-winning documentaries. From humorous to heartwarming, she brings a cinematographer’s eye and a documentarian’s heart to every project.
A Philadelphia native, Maria began her career behind the camera, lensing commercials and documentary films, including the acclaimed feature documentary THE CARNIVAL: 125 YEARS OF THE PENN RELAYS, Executive Produced by James “JB” Brown (CBS/SHOWTIME). Her years as a cinematographer sharpened the technical precision and visual style that now define her directorial work.
Her 2020 directorial debut, KIM, follows a ballerina and domestic abuse survivor who uses her creative expression as a form of healing and activism. Partnering with a national nonprofit, the film raised $30,000 for DV shelters and screened at festivals worldwide, including the PHILADELPHIA FILM FESTIVAL, SCAD FILM FESTIVAL, FEMALE EYE FILM FESTIVAL (Canadian Screen Award Qualifying), and SAN DIEGO INTERNATIONAL SHORTS FEST.
Maria has since directed several branded documentaries for notable athletes, nonprofits, and brands. Her 2024 branded documentary Underdogs, Executive Produced by former NFL star Connor Barwin, premiered at the PHILADELPHIA FILM FESTIVAL and was nominated for a MID-ATLANTIC EMMY. In 2025, she made her broadcast commercial debut with an absurdist comedy spot for Visit Valley Forge, which garnered millions of views online.
In addition to directing, Maria has also worked as a writer, creative director, producer, and development producer for a variety of live-action and animated commercials, unscripted series, and documentary films.
Maria is currently in post-production on her first feature-length documentary, Love, Lusine, and is a Producer on the video team at Architectural Digest.
Commonly Used Adjectives: cool, calm, collected
Fun Facts: avid bowler, Eagles fan, left-handed
