MaryLanae Linen is a multifaceted storyteller passionate about creating narratives that inspire and empower. With a B.A. in Communication from Kean University and an M.F.A. in Film & TV Production from the University of Southern California, she has honed her craft across writing, directing, and visual arts.
Her work explores themes of identity, heritage, education, curiosity, and systemic oppression, often uplifting marginalized voices through authentic, emotionally resonant storytelling. She has written and directed short films, contributed to feature-length projects, and earned recognition at film festivals for her compelling narratives and visual style.
Beyond filmmaking, MaryLanae is dedicated to mentorship and collaboration, fostering inclusive creative spaces where diverse stories can thrive. She is currently developing Heritage, a film blending drama, suspense, and horror to honor the Gullah Geechee people, and Daughters of the West, a novel centered on four Black women reclaiming power in the Wild West.