Luke Gardiner is a filmmaker whose work blends rigorous academic inquiry with deeply personal storytelling. A Columbia University alum and participant in the FAMU International program, he draws heavily from lived experience to craft narratives that challenge normative structures.

He has directed four short films, including Evergreen, a crowdfunded narrative, and Burning, which earned the Harvardwood Prize for its focus on social change. His work has screened at festivals such as NFFTY, Obscura, and the Montclair Film Festival.

Luke has worked extensively in both institutional and indie spaces, from assisting Alison Nguyen on museum-based video art featured at the MoMA and the Whitney, to serving as 1st Assistant Director on narrative productions across NYC, including Albatross, a 2026 Sundance selection. Off-set, he is an unapologetic—and some would say masochistic—rewatcher of Children of Men, Titane, and Rosemary’s Baby.

Currently Luke is Directing his next short titled “Elderwood” with production company February Problem Films. The production is also being produced with Iacon Pictures under The Iacon Seal certification standard.