Knee High

Directed By Marissa Vonn

KNEE HIGH follows Cal Melbourne, a young father forced to grow up fast on Iowa's farmlands, as he struggles to choose between salvaging his family's legacy or pursuing an unknown future for himself and his son.

  • ABOUT
  • BIO
  • SCREENINGS
  • AWARDS
  • PRESS
  • CREDITS

Following a sudden loss, Cal Melbourne must decide whether to preserve his family's legacy or forge a new path for himself and his young son. Faced with the daunting task of balancing parenthood and growing up, Cal isolates himself. As tension grows and time runs out, Cal finds himself at rock bottom and finally ready to accept help. KNEE HIGH captures the complexities of rural life and helps answer the question that inspired the script: "What happens when a farmer dies?"

Marissa Vonn is a Director, Writer, and First Assistant Director based in Los Angeles, California. She loves telling compelling stories with unexpected protagonists and moments that tug on your heartstrings. Family dramas, cerebral thrillers, and anything with an authentic lead character are Marissa’s preferred projects. She has a passion for creating complex roles that challenge actors and absolutely loves collaborating with her cast to bring performances that feel authentic and powerful. Marissa grew up in Iowa and still returns frequently. Her past few films (Next of Kin, Domicile, and Knee High) were all filmed in Iowa with frequent collaborators, DEFT. She loves bringing together crews that turn into friends and keeps a strict “no a******s” policy. She is currently touring her feature film, developing her next feature and prepping to direct a short.

Regional screenings across Iowa in Fall 2024

Iowa Independent Film Festival

Cedar Rapids International Film Festival

Mystic Film Festival

Madison Film Festival

Best Iowa Film (IIFF) 2024

Best Feature Film (Southern Oasis Film Festival) 2025

Best Director (Southern Oasis Film Festival) 2025

Silver Eddy (CRIFF) 2024

""Knee High tells a story that needs to be told and is a film that deserves to be seen.""
The Independent Critic
"Knee High is a poignant, beautifully crafted exploration of familial bonds, loss, and the harsh realities of rural life."
Take 2 Indie Review

Cal - Michael Ridley

Cinematographer - Bruce James Bales

Production Designer - Dakota Carpenter

Mamie - Patty Dunning

Stef - Amaris Noelle Anderson