Maritza Cruz is a Mexican-American writer and director whose work explores Latina womanhood and coming-of-age stories shaped by adversity. Drawing from her upbringing near the Arizona border, she creates socially conscious narratives that weave together true stories, historical accounts, and personal experiences. She is drawn to stories that challenge audiences to reconsider their assumptions and see the world around them in a new light.

Her short film, Made in America (2025), a USC student film, is currently on the festival circuit across the U.S. and has received multiple awards, including the Jury Grand Prize for Best Narrative Short in the March On! Festival’s 2026 Tomorrow’s Truth-tellers Student Competition, a Jury Award for Creative Achievement at the Arizona International Film Festival, Best Student Film at The Reel Champions Short Fest, and Best Young Actress for lead Jasmine Sunshine Muñoz at the MY HERO International Film Festival.