Unbound
In turn of the century Japan, a young girl sacrifices her freedom in order to save her sick father, but soon finds herself entangled in a disturbing metamorphosis as she begins to transform into a silkworm moth.
In turn of the century Japan, a young girl sacrifices her freedom in order to save her sick father, but soon finds herself entangled in a disturbing metamorphosis as she begins to transform into a silkworm moth.
In turn-of-the-century Japan, a young girl sacrifices her freedom in order to save her ailing father by becoming a factory worker. Surrounded by fear and foes, she is soon entangled in an unexpected metamorphosis as she transforms into a silkworm. UNBOUND is based on the short story Reeling for the Empire from a New York Times Bestseller by Karen Russell.
Maggie Mahrt is an award-winning writer and director with over 14 years of experience crafting original content across narrative, commercial, and documentary spaces.
Known for her bold use of color and movement within the strict geometry of the frame, Maggie gravitates toward stories that explore emotional transformation—through a crisis in the body. Her work is marked by a rich visual style and a deep commitment to character.
She has a passion for blending drama with levity and works across genres including historical fiction, fantasy, magical realism, romantic comedy, children’s content, and documentary. She’s especially drawn to stories that center underrepresented voices—human and animal alike.
Her short film Unbound and screenplay Zero to Sixty garnered multiple awards, and her debut feature film O, Brawling Love can be found on Amazon Prime. Her next feature, Say It in German—starring Sarah Drew (Grey’s Anatomy, Amber Brown, Mistletoe Murders)—is slated to shoot in 2026.
Maggie is currently developing two female-forward Western TV pilots, and recently wrote and directed a pilot for a biblical series. Her script, Blue Belle, has just been selected as one in twenty-five to advance as a Semi-Finalist in the 2025 Shore Scripts TV Writer Mentorship Program.
An alumna of the prestigious American Film Institute’s Directing Workshop for Women, Maggie has also participated in the Fox Filmmakers Lab, A&E’s Broad Focus, and Ryan Murphy’s HALF Initiative. Early in her career, she served as executive assistant to showrunner David Greenwalt on NBC’s Grimm.
In the commercial realm, Maggie has directed campaigns for clients ranging from global brands to purpose-driven nonprofits. Her portfolio includes work for Disney Digital, Paramount Studios, Bank of America, Saatchi & Saatchi, Toyota, Tongal, National Sikh Campaign, Leo Diamonds, Babble, PayPal, USA Network, and The Bouqs.com.
Maggie has a rare ability to connect with non-actors and draw out compelling, authentic stories. She approaches interviews with a documentarian’s instinct and a storyteller’s heart—believing that everyone has a story worth telling, and it's a joy and privilege to help them tell it. Most recently, she filmed in Ghana to spotlight the partnership between Bank of America and Changing Lives GH—an experience that deepened her passion for international storytelling and the beauty of connecting across cultures.
Transplanted from Los Angeles, Maggie now lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico with her remarkably gifted husband—equal parts SAG actor and forensic scientist—and their magical dog, Chester, a Coton de Tulear who’s convinced this is his series and they’re just supporting roles.
World Premiere - LA Shorts 2017
Camerimage International Film Festival 2018
Julien Dubuque International Film Festival 2018
Cannes Court Metrage 2017
HollyShorts 2018
ICG 2018 - Emerging Cinematographers Award
HollyShorts 2018— WINNER for BEST SCI-FI
HollyShorts 2018—Audience Choice Award
Heart of Gold International Short Film Festival 2018 — Nominated for Best Cinematography
Midwest Waterways Short Film Festival 2019 — Best in Fest Winner