LUKE GALATI has a mission to make the world a better place. 

He demonstrates an ability to change the game as a writer, photographer and documentary filmmaker who focuses on telling stories about important social causes through storytelling, advocacy and action. 

Luke recently earned his master’s degree at Toronto Metropolitan University’s Documentary Media MFA program at TMU’s School of Image Arts, where he specialized in filmmaking. Luke holds a bachelor of journalism degree from TMU, graduating both programs with honours.

He also has experience working with CBC Sports as a researcher. 

Luke is also pushing the conversation forward within mental health as an advocate. He is currently exhibiting his new documentary, When We Reach Out, Who Should Respond? which examines the topic of mental health crisis response in Toronto, pushing for non-violent alternatives. 

Luke is the director of the award-winning documentary, Eastern, which chronicles the final chapter of the Eastern Commerce Saints, Canada’s most historic high school basketball program. Eastern was screened at five theatres in Toronto, including the TIFF Bell Lightbox, and was broadcasted nationally on TSN.

One meaningful achievement for Luke was starting the conversation and leading a viral petition which advocated for public basketball hoops at school’s in Toronto to become more accessible for the public at school’s and public courts across the city. This led to public pressure, real change and impact.

For three years, Luke worked as an associate producer with the Toronto Raptors’ documentary series, Open Gym. 

Luke’s first journalism job was with the Japanese-Canadian newspaper, Nikkei Voice. For his work as a reporter during his first year of university, he was recognized as one of three finalists for the 2015 Ontario Newspaper Awards’ Student Journalist of the Year.

As well, he covered Toronto FC as a photographer for two seasons. He began with the SB Nation blog, Waking the Red. By the next year, he was called up to work as a club photographer with the team during TFC’s MLS Cup championship winning season. 

He is also dedicated to coaching youth basketball in East York, which he has done for the past ten years. Currently, he is planning his next projects while living in Toronto’s west-end.

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