Knee High
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.
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.
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
Cal - Michael Ridley
Cinematographer - Bruce James Bales
Production Designer - Dakota Carpenter
Mamie - Patty Dunning
Stef - Amaris Noelle Anderson