Luis Gerard is an accomplished director, writer, producer and photographer renowned for his impactful storytelling and dedication to exploring important societal themes. His latest short film, "THE WAKE," has gained significant attention, qualifying for consideration at the 96th Academy Awards®.
Growing up in Puerto Rico, Gerard spent his youth in the projection room of his father’s small art house movie theater. This early exposure to independent cinema fostered his deep appreciation for the craft of filmmaking. He created his first notable success, a 35mm black-and-white silent short film that was officially selected at the prestigious Venice Film Festival.
Branching into advertising, Gerard's work is a seamless blend of comedy, drama, visual storytelling with his ability to direct actors with nuance and precision. He has achieved considerable success, winning numerous international awards including Cannes, D&AD, OneShow, Clios, New York Film Festival and more. He has worked on global brands such as Nike, Heineken, VW, Budweiser, Mercedes, and Gatorade, among others.
Expanding into feature films, Gerard directed the second unit for "HUSTLE," a basketball drama starring Adam Sandler, produced by Netflix, which premiered in 2022. In the same year, he released his new short film, "THE WAKE." This film, addressing themes of gun accessibility and familial bonds, featuring deaf actor Zander Colbeck-Bhola and has been recognized with several awards and nominations. It has traveled to over 40 film festivals around the globe, winning Best Live Action at several Oscar-qualifying festivals. Along with receiving honorable mentions, the film's cast has been recognized with Best Actor awards at multiple festivals.
In addition to his work in film and advertising, Gerard is also a highly skilled photographer. He is known for his eye for detail and composition, working with his Leica system in both commercial and editorial capacities. His photography showcases his artistic vision and versatility, complementing his work in other media.
Luis Gerard is currently developing a feature film based on "THE WAKE," aiming to expand the story further. Additionally, he is preparing for the production of his first film, "CHOPPER," based on his original screenplay and produced by Hidden Pictures' Todd Liberman and Alex Young.