Waterlight Films
Founded in 2018 by Emil Gallardo, Waterlight Films has been recognized for our ability to tell evocative stories that stand out for their authenticity and willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. Emil is a Mexican-American writer/director who started his career in Los Angeles in the Production department, working on commercials, independent features, music videos, and TV shows.
After leaving Assistant Directing to concentrate on writing and directing, Emil moved to Oakland and founded Waterlight Films to produce films.
Emil was named one of twenty-five screenwriters to watch in 2021 by the Austin Film Festival and was selected to HBO’s Directing Fellowship. In 2020, he won Panavision’s Future Filmmaker Award and his film, 1, 2, 3, ALL EYES ON ME qualified for the 2021 Academy Awards after winning the Grand Prix at HollyShorts, a Jury Award at the Austin Film Festival and being nominated for the John Singleton Impact Award. That award honors storytellers who give a voice to the underrepresented and inspire change through the art of filmmaking. 1, 2, 3, ALL EYES ON ME is available now on HBO Max.
Emil and his writing partner, Derek Ho, are currently developing several features, including the full-length version of EXIT FEE. The short is just starting to play in film festivals worldwide. Please follow our Instagram for the latest screening info.
Apart from writing, directing and producing films, Emil also owns and operates Banana Walkies, a walkie talkie rental business in LA with his partner, Gina.