Maria Johnsen
- Producer
- Director
- Writer
Maria Johnsen is a filmmaker known for her work in horror, fantasy, and drama. She has directed acclaimed short films such as The Ghost on the Bridge, Searching for Harriet, Huldra and Photographer, Soulbound Shadows, and Pauline's Love Spell.Her feature debut, How to Disappear Slowly, is a psychological drama that marks a bold new direction in her storytelling, blending emotional depth with a cinematic sensibility honed in her genre shorts.
Maria is a director/producer, songwriter, actress and author whose work reaches audiences worldwide. Through her production company, Golden Way Media Films, she has achieved remarkable success, with her films distributed in over 250 countries. Her ability to create compelling stories has earned her company the prestigious Excellence Award for Media Storytelling in 2024, recognizing its dedication to high-quality and engaging narratives across film and media platforms.
As a prolific author, Maria has written 100 fiction, poetry and nonfiction books. Her nonfiction works on filmmaking, marketing, and artificial intelligence are widely respected and taught at prestigious institutions, including Harvard University and other top universities in North America and Europe. Her influence as a thought leader and educator is well established.
Maria's journey into filmmaking is a unique blend of artistic passion and entrepreneurial vision. With a diverse background in master of science degree in computer engineering, digital innovation, beauty arts from Sorbonne University, and Master of Arts in Film and TV production from Royal Holloway, she seamlessly merges technical expertise with creative storytelling.
Her distinctive style includes incorporating original poetry and music into her films, adding emotional depth and resonance. Whether through haunting ballads that underscore moments of despair or uplifting anthems that energize key scenes, her music enhances the cinematic experience.
Maria's films go beyond entertainment; they serve as cultural bridges that celebrate diversity and explore universal themes. From suspenseful thrillers to emotionally driven dramas, her work reflects a commitment to thought-provoking storytelling that connects across languages and cultures.
One of her productions, Soulbound Shadows, is a chilling horror film about a film crew trapped in a haunted house, battling vengeful spirits while uncovering dark secrets. With atmospheric storytelling, a gripping soundtrack, and compelling characters, the film has been praised for its balance of suspense and deeper themes of survival and redemption.
Looking ahead, Maria is developing 12 feature films across multiple genres, all designed to push creative boundaries while achieving commercial success. These projects highlight her versatility as a filmmaker and her dedication to creating unforgettable cinematic experiences.
In addition to filmmaking, Maria is an accomplished songwriter, incorporating her original compositions often inspired by her poetry into her films. She has produced over 450 original songs in English, French, Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish, Ukrainian , Dutch, Russian, Spanish, Scottish Gaelic, Italian, and German, which are distributed across streaming platforms and played on select U.S. radio stations.
Through Golden Way Media Films, Maria continues to redefine storytelling on a global scale. Her ability to blend artistic integrity with commercial appeal, along with her innovative use of music and visuals, positions her as a trailblazer in the film industry. With her films reaching audiences in over 250 countries, her books influencing academic and professional circles, and her upcoming projects set to push creative limits, Maria Johnsen is making a significant impact in global cinema and beyond. Her passion for storytelling and ability to connect with audiences through art ensure that her work leaves a lasting legacy.
Maria is a director/producer, songwriter, actress and author whose work reaches audiences worldwide. Through her production company, Golden Way Media Films, she has achieved remarkable success, with her films distributed in over 250 countries. Her ability to create compelling stories has earned her company the prestigious Excellence Award for Media Storytelling in 2024, recognizing its dedication to high-quality and engaging narratives across film and media platforms.
As a prolific author, Maria has written 100 fiction, poetry and nonfiction books. Her nonfiction works on filmmaking, marketing, and artificial intelligence are widely respected and taught at prestigious institutions, including Harvard University and other top universities in North America and Europe. Her influence as a thought leader and educator is well established.
Maria's journey into filmmaking is a unique blend of artistic passion and entrepreneurial vision. With a diverse background in master of science degree in computer engineering, digital innovation, beauty arts from Sorbonne University, and Master of Arts in Film and TV production from Royal Holloway, she seamlessly merges technical expertise with creative storytelling.
Her distinctive style includes incorporating original poetry and music into her films, adding emotional depth and resonance. Whether through haunting ballads that underscore moments of despair or uplifting anthems that energize key scenes, her music enhances the cinematic experience.
Maria's films go beyond entertainment; they serve as cultural bridges that celebrate diversity and explore universal themes. From suspenseful thrillers to emotionally driven dramas, her work reflects a commitment to thought-provoking storytelling that connects across languages and cultures.
One of her productions, Soulbound Shadows, is a chilling horror film about a film crew trapped in a haunted house, battling vengeful spirits while uncovering dark secrets. With atmospheric storytelling, a gripping soundtrack, and compelling characters, the film has been praised for its balance of suspense and deeper themes of survival and redemption.
Looking ahead, Maria is developing 12 feature films across multiple genres, all designed to push creative boundaries while achieving commercial success. These projects highlight her versatility as a filmmaker and her dedication to creating unforgettable cinematic experiences.
In addition to filmmaking, Maria is an accomplished songwriter, incorporating her original compositions often inspired by her poetry into her films. She has produced over 450 original songs in English, French, Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish, Ukrainian , Dutch, Russian, Spanish, Scottish Gaelic, Italian, and German, which are distributed across streaming platforms and played on select U.S. radio stations.
Through Golden Way Media Films, Maria continues to redefine storytelling on a global scale. Her ability to blend artistic integrity with commercial appeal, along with her innovative use of music and visuals, positions her as a trailblazer in the film industry. With her films reaching audiences in over 250 countries, her books influencing academic and professional circles, and her upcoming projects set to push creative limits, Maria Johnsen is making a significant impact in global cinema and beyond. Her passion for storytelling and ability to connect with audiences through art ensure that her work leaves a lasting legacy.
