I’M MARIS LIDAKA

  • OSCAR CONSIDERED FILMMAKER WITH OVER 20 YEARS IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY.
  • AWARD WINNING DIGITAL EDITOR WITH OVER 10 MILLION VIEWS ON YOUTUBE
  • DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION SPEAKER

I EXPLORE STORIES ABOUT UNDERSTANDING CULTURE AND IDENTITY

LET ME TELL YOU MY STORY

I come from African-Amercan and Latvian roots. Being a part of both worlds made me curious about different cultures and people. I moved to Copenhagen, Denmark at the age of 13 and spent the next 5 years exploring what it meant to be an American. 

As a filmmaker, I use these experiences to inform my work. Allowing me to empathize and understand various perspectives.  I direct and edit both narrative and documentary films exploring these topics.

“This is precisely the time when artists go to work. There is no place for despair, no place for self-pity, no need for silence, no room for fear. We speak, we write, we do language. That is how civilisations heal.”

Toni Morrison

Authenticity is Everything

The most powerful stories come from a place of authenticity. Filmmakers who lean into their identity and life experiences set themselves apart.  Their stories resonate deeply with audiences and create better opportunities.

Helping filmmakers unlock this creative potential is what drives me.  Because when you tell a story rooted in who you truly are.

It has the power to create lasting impact and boost your career.

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NOTABLE FILMS

CREATIVE FORCE

Feature documentary exploring how everyday people used their creative skills to support the war effort, including a journey to the front line to deliver supplies.
 

GABRIELA

Netflix-sponsored short film about an undocumented young woman finding herself through swimming.

BREAKAWAY

Oscar-considered short film depicting the struggle of two people on their first interracial date to make a connection.
 

SPROUT

The story of Astrid, a young Guatemalan girl conducting a science experiment to find food.
FULL PORTFOLIO

FOUNDER

My company is an initiative to promote cultural exchange and understanding through:

FILMS

DIGITAL SERIES

PODCASTS

VIRTUAL EVENTS

THE PURPOSE

Building a more inclusive and empathetic society

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