Dr. Maria Harney
Dr. Maria Harney | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Maria Istomina |
| Alma mater | Pavlov First State Medical University |
| Occupation | |
| Awards | International recognition for contributions to independent cinema and science outreach |
| Website | mariaharney |
Dr. Maria M. Harney, also known as Mariya Pyter, is a Russian-born American physician, psychiatrist, filmmaker, and philanthropist.[1] She is recognized for her interdisciplinary work at the intersection of space medicine, human factors psychology, and visual storytelling. Harney has participated in over ten analog astronaut missions and has received international recognition for her contributions to independent cinema and science outreach.[2][3][4]
Early Life and Education
Harney was born in Russia and received her medical degree from Pavlov First State Medical University. She later relocated to the United States, where she pursued filmmaking, graduating from the directing program at UCLA.
Career
Medicine and Space Science
Harney specializes in psychiatry, with a focus on human factors and space medicine. She has participated in more than ten analog astronaut missions, contributing to research on human behavior and performance in extreme environments. Harney serves as Chair of the Alexandrian Project LA and previously led the STEAM for Humanity Foundation. She has held advisory and board positions with organizations including MMAARS, Inc. and the Life Sciences and Biomedical Engineering Board (LSBEB). She frequently lectures on space medicine, human psychology in confined environments, and the philosophical aspects of science and ethics.[5]
Film and Media
Under her stage name Mariya Pyter, Harney has written, directed, or produced more than 70 film and television projects. Notable works include:[6]
- The Dead Are Silent[7]
- Danny Danielle
- On the Way to Lovetown[8]
- Granny and Spies
- 22 (documentary)[9]
- With a Whimper (in post-production)
Her work often blends scientific themes with emotional, character-driven storytelling and human interest narratives across various genres, with a particular emphasis on historical aspects. She has taught filmmaking workshops internationally.[10][11][12][13]
Leadership
She is the co-founder of Magic Hour Productions, Inc.,[14] a media venture launched in 2013, and Synthetico Inc., a company focused on synthetic biology and artificial intelligence.[15][16][17]
Books
Harney is also the author of several books, including:
- Princess Bananas (children’s book)[18]
- The Cat and the Cucumber (children’s book)
- Lovecraft (fantasy novel)[19]
Selected Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Danny Danielle | Director |
| 2018 | Granny and Spies | Director/Writer/Producer |
| 2018 | On the Way to Lovetown | Writer/ Producer |
| 2019 | 22 (documentary) | Director/Producer |
| 2021 | Somewhere in the Milky Way | Producer |
| Upcoming | With a Whimper | Director |
Selected Publications
- Princess Bananas (2019)
- The Cat and the Cucumber (2020)
- Lovecraft (2021)
Public Speaking
Harney has delivered talks and presentations at more than 50 international conferences and events, focusing on medicine, fusion of STEAM disciplines, and filmmaking.[20]
Recognition and Awards
Harney's work has received accolades at several international film festivals:
- Global Shorts, Los Angeles – Special Mention for Danny Danielle (2019)
- Aurora Awards – Gold Award (2017), Platinum Award (2018)
- Telly Awards – Gold Award as part of the producer team for One Second (2017)
- 48 Film Project, Los Angeles – Best Director Nomination (Danny Danielle, 2017)
- A Show For A Change Film Festival – Social Impact Award for 22 (2018)
- Independent Film Awards, London – Nomination for On the Way to Lovetown (2019)
- ReelAbilities Festival, New York – Finalist for 22 (2019)
In 2025, she was awarded the title of Dame in the Order of the Eagle of Georgia for her charity work and service.[21][22][23]
Personal Life
Harney is married and resides in California. Outside her professional work, she practices Aikido and remains actively involved in nonprofit and educational outreach programs.
Gallery
References
- ↑ "Mariya Pyter – Kinopoisk Profile". Kinopoisk. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ↑ "Hermetic Foundation". Hermetic Foundation. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ↑ "Same as above". East Coast Sentinel. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ↑ "Meet Mariya Pyter". Bold Journey. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ↑ "Fort Myers Film Festival". Florida Weekly. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ↑ "Meet Mariya Pyter". CanvasRebel. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ↑ "The Dead are Silent – Brian Gross". Amazon. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ↑ "On the Way to Lovetown". ArtSWFL. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ↑ "Watch "22"". WODH. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ↑ "Why Everyone Thinks Mariya Pyter's Film is About Meghan Markle". OpenPR. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ↑ "How Russian Pranksters, Russian-American Film Director and UK Street Artist Link to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle". ABNewswire. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ↑ "22 – Michael Braga". Amazon. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ↑ "The Cat and the Cucumber – Mariya Pyter". Amazon. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ↑ "Magic Hour Productions Inc". Magic Hour Productions. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ↑ "Mariya Pyter". ArtSWFL. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ↑ "On the Red Carpet – Fort Myers Film Festival". Florida Weekly. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ↑ "Mariya Pyter – YouTube Channel". YouTube. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ↑ "Princess Bananas – Mariya Pyter". Amazon. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ↑ "Lovecraft – Mariya Pyter". Amazon. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ↑ "Mariya Pyter Denies Secrets Revealed in Film". Yahoo Style. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ↑ "The Royal House of Georgia Holds Its First Investiture in the Americas". Royal House of Georgia. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ↑ ""Danny & Danielle" to Premiere at 48 Film Project Finalists Screening". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ↑ "22 on Roku". Roku. Retrieved 1 July 2025.