Luna Ferguson
Luna Ferguson (PhD’16; MA’10) is an actor, producer and writer. Ferguson’s filmmaking includes the award-winning Whispers of Life (2013); Limina (2016), which was shown at festivals around the world and praised for its trans inclusivity and the queer love story Henry’s Heart (2019), CIRCLE (2020), and the dark comedy 0UTL4W (2021). Their writing and advocacy efforts have been featured in international publications including HuffPost, VICE, BuzzFeed, Teen Vogue, OUT Magazine, NBC News, The Guardian, and the Toronto Star. Their first book, Me, Myself, They, a memoir published by House of Anansi Press, was released in May 2019.
Why did you choose your program at UBC and what did you enjoy most about it?
I completed my MA program in Film Studies at UBC, and I knew that continuing my education at the institution with the connections that were made with professors would enrich my studies.
What were some of your most meaningful experiences at UBC?
Ultimately, I found myself through my academic work in my PhD. It was a powerful experience, and I highly recommend that students engage with their subjectivity in their academic research because our passion for knowledge and the creation of knowledge comes from a unique place: ourselves.
What choices did you make at UBC that contributed to your career success / journey?
I believe in the power of connection, so the connections I made continue to be some of the strongest in my life: mentors, scholars, fellow students—success is a synergy of your determination and the belief others have in you.
What was your first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before your current position?
I actually wrote my memoir published by House of Anansi directly after finishing my PhD. But now I’m focused on acting in film and TV, making a difference with visibility. Creative expression is key for me!
Is your current career path as you originally intended? What challenges did you face in launching your career?
No, I would say that to stay open is most important. I followed my passion and calling at all times, and it’s led me to where I am now. I think setting precedents is challenging, but there are so many of us working to break ground, and that’s comforting.
What do you like about your current job and what do you find challenging? How does it relate to your degree?
I am able to embody and express so many different lives that are written by others as an actor, and to find myself in them. I enjoy the playful component and my degree deepened my critical thinking. When it comes to acting roles, research can help, so it’s been beneficial.
From your experience, what has been the value of having an Arts degree?
I find Arts to be expansive. Arts can open you up to yourself, and to the world around you. An Arts degree can take you on a journey, sometimes, without a destination, but isn’t that fantastic?
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?
Determination. Passion. And believe in yourself!
What advice would you give to your first-year self?
Be as open minded, while critical, and you will evolve in a beautiful way.
Luna Ferguson
Luna Ferguson (PhD’16; MA’10) is an actor, producer and writer. Ferguson’s filmmaking includes the award-winning Whispers of Life (2013); Limina (2016), which was shown at festivals around the world and praised for its trans inclusivity and the queer love story Henry’s Heart (2019), CIRCLE (2020), and the dark comedy 0UTL4W (2021). Their writing and advocacy efforts have been featured in international publications including HuffPost, VICE, BuzzFeed, Teen Vogue, OUT Magazine, NBC News, The Guardian, and the Toronto Star. Their first book, Me, Myself, They, a memoir published by House of Anansi Press, was released in May 2019.
Why did you choose your program at UBC and what did you enjoy most about it?
I completed my MA program in Film Studies at UBC, and I knew that continuing my education at the institution with the connections that were made with professors would enrich my studies.
What were some of your most meaningful experiences at UBC?
Ultimately, I found myself through my academic work in my PhD. It was a powerful experience, and I highly recommend that students engage with their subjectivity in their academic research because our passion for knowledge and the creation of knowledge comes from a unique place: ourselves.
What choices did you make at UBC that contributed to your career success / journey?
I believe in the power of connection, so the connections I made continue to be some of the strongest in my life: mentors, scholars, fellow students—success is a synergy of your determination and the belief others have in you.
What was your first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before your current position?
I actually wrote my memoir published by House of Anansi directly after finishing my PhD. But now I’m focused on acting in film and TV, making a difference with visibility. Creative expression is key for me!
Is your current career path as you originally intended? What challenges did you face in launching your career?
No, I would say that to stay open is most important. I followed my passion and calling at all times, and it’s led me to where I am now. I think setting precedents is challenging, but there are so many of us working to break ground, and that’s comforting.
What do you like about your current job and what do you find challenging? How does it relate to your degree?
I am able to embody and express so many different lives that are written by others as an actor, and to find myself in them. I enjoy the playful component and my degree deepened my critical thinking. When it comes to acting roles, research can help, so it’s been beneficial.
From your experience, what has been the value of having an Arts degree?
I find Arts to be expansive. Arts can open you up to yourself, and to the world around you. An Arts degree can take you on a journey, sometimes, without a destination, but isn’t that fantastic?
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?
Determination. Passion. And believe in yourself!
What advice would you give to your first-year self?
Be as open minded, while critical, and you will evolve in a beautiful way.
