NYWIFT Blog

By Lexi Catalanello

Welcome to NYWIFT, Ariana Marie Luque! 

Ariana is an award-winning director/cinematographer from The Bronx, NY. She is a NYU Tisch alum, having graduated with a Bachelor’s in Film/TV production. 

Her work is often rooted from her Latin background, prioritizing culture and interpersonal relationships in her work. Her goal is to amplify stories from underrepresented communities and diversify the entertainment industry in front and behind the camera. 

She has gained international experience working in Iceland, Italy, and Puerto Rico, and has collaborated with major studios including Amazon Prime, Walt Disney, and Paramount under production roles. 

Most recently, she completed a film fellowship at the Bronx Documentary Center and is currently developing a short narrative film and is in production on two short documentaries.

In our interview, Ariana discusses her background, what she’s learned from working in the industry, and the importance of film. 

NYWIFT Member Ariana Marie Luque

Could you give our readers a brief introduction to yourself?

Hello! My name is Ariana and I am a director/cinematographer based in New York City and recently started my own production company, Capicú Productions! With this company, I aim to continue highlighting underrepresented stories and focusing on projects that dispel negative connotations and stereotypes on BIPOC and queer communities.

The films I am most attracted to working on are cinema vérité documentaries and auteur narratives that spotlight raw stories with clear creative direction. I am always enthusiastic [about] making new connections and working with people who can challenge me and grow together creatively.

Ariana Marie Luque as the cinematographer on the set of El Talisman

What brought you to NYWIFT?

I found out about NYWIFT through a cohort of mentors who recommended joining as a valuable next step in my career. And as a result of winning the Best Short Documentary award at this year’s NYU Fusion Film Festival, which is dedicated to uplifting work by women and non-binary filmmakers, I had the pleasure of receiving sponsorship as a NextWave member!

It is an honor to join an incredible network of talented women in the industry, where we can collaborate, support one another, and create new opportunities together.

Ariana on set in Iceland

How has your background influenced your creative work?

My family and cultural background have deeply influenced my calling to film. I come from a family of artists of different mediums which allowed me to express myself in a creative space freely, without judgement. Though, due to financial and external circumstances, many of the members in my community had to leave their creative endeavors behind them.

I am grateful to be part of a generation where organizations like NYWIFT exist and opportunities to climb the industry ladder (or reinvent it) are more accessible than ever. I’ve been working in the film industry since I was sixteen thanks to public schools that’ve offered film classes and opportunities, as well as non-profits like Ghetto Film School, which introduced me to an entirely new world and continues to support my journey.

My community constantly motivates me to push beyond my comfort zone, choosing projects that I believe would give back to the people, places, and culture that shaped me.

What kind of creative projects are you most drawn to?

As an emerging filmmaker, I’ve been exploring all mediums from commercials, shorts, music videos, documentaries, and more! Though, the projects that I call “soul-fulfilling” are those that teach me something about myself while also deepening my understanding of the world throughout the creative process.

I’m attracted to projects that highlight overlooked narratives and create space for crews who can meaningfully relate to or understand the subject matter. My goal is to leave audiences having learned something and/or questioning what they’ve seen, hopefully sparking a deeper curiosity about the topic and themes long after the film ends.

Ariana on set in Puerto Rico

From working in the production department of many successful films and TV to creating your own films, what are some lessons you’ve learned along the way? 

It truly takes an army! Choosing the right crew for every project can look a little different, but building a network that is stable, reliable, and aligned with your creative goals is essential. Sometimes you’re on set for more than twelve hours a day, so it’s important to work with people who are not only excellent at their craft but can also contribute to the good chemistry of a production.

Another lesson I find myself relearning with every project is patience. Unexpected challenges are inevitable, and can easily throw things off course. I’ve learned that staying focused on the bigger picture helps ease the stress in those moments. I aim to approach each obstacle with a sense of gratitude, recognizing the value in every lesson along the way. Often, what feels like a setback can actually be a shortcut to your original goal.

Ariana on set in Italy

Why do you think film is an important medium, especially in regards to the kind of work that you create?

Films influence our lives more than we realize, especially in today’s digital landscape, it’s a powerful tool for education and raising awareness. Given that our society is rapidly evolving its technology, I’ve found that the preservation and digitization of archives is more important than ever.

With my recent documentary, Casa Amadeo, I found it incredibly difficult to source free archival footage of the South Bronx in the 60s/70s. I imagine this was due to cameras being a luxury at the time, with limited access to the resources needed for preservation. With today’s technology, I’m committed to capturing the world through my lens and ensuring future generations can access these stories without barriers or paywalls.

Films are one of the rare mediums that combines visual and audio storytelling to impact an audience’s thinking and behaviors. They have the unique ability to connect individuals and create conversations around topics that we may not be able to discuss in our daily lives. It can be a form of escapism, while also immersing audiences in perspectives they may have never encountered before or know all too well.

Connect with Ariana on her website www.arianamarieluque.com, on Instagram at @beingarianamarie, or on LinkedIn. 

(All images courtesy of Ariana Marie Luque)