Maria was born in the north Russian town Arkhangelsk. In 2007, she moved to London to study Drama and Theatre Arts at the prestigious Goldsmiths College, University of London. This three-year program helped Maria develop her directing skills.

In 2011, Maria embarked upon an MA Filmmaking course at the London Film School. Maria has worked on more than twenty LFS projects not only as a director but also as a producer and camera operator.