Mariah (2009)
A compact short drama from director J.D. Dillard, offering an early look at the filmmaker's character-driven storytelling instincts.
Mariah - Movie Information
- Release Year: 2009
- Directed by: J.D. Dillard
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 24, 2009 (United States)
- Production Companies: Imminent Film Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
Mariah - Plot
A drama short film.
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Mariah - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- J.D. Dillard
Main Cast
- Allison Strong
- Meissa Hampton
- Giovanni Avancena
- Michael Molina
Writers
- J.D. Dillard
- Robert Yula
Producers
- Gus Sacks
Mariah - FAQs
What is Mariah (2009) about?
Mariah is a short drama following a young woman named Mariah, played by Allison Strong, alongside characters Anne and Robbie. Made on a modest budget of $16,000, it's an intimate early work that showcases J.D. Dillard's eye for character-driven storytelling before his feature debut.
Who directed the short film Mariah?
Mariah was directed by J.D. Dillard, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Robert Yula and co-edited the film. Dillard later went on to direct the acclaimed feature Sleight (2017) and Devotion (2022), making this short an interesting early glimpse into his filmmaking voice.
Who stars in the short film Mariah?
The film stars Allison Strong in the title role, with Meissa Hampton as Anne, Giovanni Avancena as Robbie, and Michael Molina as Man in Ad. Allison Strong has since built a notable career in theater and television, making her performance here an early highlight worth seeking out.
Where can you watch Mariah (2009)?
You can check current streaming and viewing options for Mariah on JustWatch, which tracks availability across platforms in your region. As a short film with limited distribution, availability may vary, so JustWatch is your best bet for finding where it's currently accessible.
Is Mariah a feature film or short?
Mariah is a short film, not a feature. Produced by Imminent Film Productions and released in the United States on April 24, 2009, it serves as an early calling card for director J.D. Dillard, demonstrating his ability to craft compelling drama on a tight $16,000 budget.
What is the production budget of Mariah?
Mariah was made on a budget of $16,000 — remarkably lean even by short film standards. That kind of constraint often pushes filmmakers to be more creative and focused, and it clearly served J.D. Dillard well as a proving ground for his later, larger-scale feature work.
What films are similar to Mariah (2009)?
If you enjoyed Mariah, you might also appreciate The Neighbors' Window (2019), Curfew (2012), and What Maisie Knew (2013) — all intimate, character-focused dramas sharing a similar emotional register. Brothers (2015) and XX/XY (2002) are also worth exploring for fans of grounded relationship storytelling.
Did J.D. Dillard go on to make bigger films?
Absolutely. After Mariah, J.D. Dillard directed the superhero drama Sleight (2017), which earned strong critical praise at Sundance, and then the military drama Devotion (2022) starring Jonathan Majors and Glen Powell. Mariah stands as a fascinating early chapter in what has become a compelling directorial career.
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