Update from Gold Coast, [Australia], July 29 – Luke Gracias, a distinguished alumnus of DMET (1984-1988), with Roll Number 3409, is making waves in the world of film and environmentalism. A filmmaker, environmentalist, and bestselling author, Gracias is currently in India to pitch his latest project, ‘Haven’t Met You Yet,’ a musical romantic comedy set in Mumbai and the Gold Coast, Australia.
This venture is part of the recently signed Australia-India film co-production agreement, which aims to foster deeper cultural and cinematic ties between the two nations.
A Romantic Tale with a Nostalgic Touch
‘Haven’t Met You Yet’ explores the timeless quest for love, echoing the sentiments of romantics who feel they have yet to meet their soulmate. Set against the backdrop of the 1980s and 1990s, the film uses music as a narrative tool to evoke the era's spirit. Gracias, with his unique storytelling approach, is keen to bridge the gap between Australian and Indian audiences, leveraging the growing Indian film market, which is the largest globally.
Bridging Cultures Through Cinema
Gracias's passion for cinema and storytelling has been a consistent theme in his career. As the CEO of Instinct India, he played a pivotal role in bringing Bollywood projects like ‘Singh is Kinng’ to Australia. The success of this film, which was the highest-grossing Bollywood film of 2008, showcased the immense potential of Australian-Indian film collaborations. Instinct India's efforts were recognized with a nomination for the Premier’s Export Awards in 2008, highlighting the significant tourism and cultural exchange fostered through these projects.
An Environmental Pioneer
Beyond the glitz and glamour of filmmaking, Gracias is a leading figure in environmental science. As the Principal at Xtrac Tech, he has dedicated over two decades to exploring and developing emerging environmental technologies. His work focuses on decarbonization, biofuels, and green energy solutions. Gracias has been instrumental in advancing carbon dioxide utilisation and storage options, working on projects across various industries to reduce carbon footprints and promote sustainable practices.
A Literary Journey
Gracias's contributions are not limited to film and environmentalism; he is also a celebrated author. His debut novel, 'The Devil’s Prayer,' a supernatural horror thriller, was a finalist for the prestigious Shadow Award for Best Australian Horror Novel in 2016. His follow-up, 'No Shadow Without Light,' delves into environmental challenges and was celebrated as Crossword Bookstores’ Book of the Month in April and May 2022.
His latest work, 'Dogboy v Catfish,' has been released as an audiobook, further cementing his status as a versatile storyteller.
Education and Professional Background
Gracias's academic journey began at St. Xavier's College, where he completed his Bachelor of Science. He later pursued a Master of Engineering Science in Environmental and Environmental Law at the University of Melbourne. His professional career includes significant roles in environmental approvals and sustainability projects, notably as the Environmental Approvals Manager for GVK Hancock's Kevin's Corner Coal Mine and the Gladstone Energy and Ammonia Project.
As Luke Gracias pitches ‘Haven’t Met You Yet’ in India, he continues to build bridges between cultures through cinema, while also advocating for environmental sustainability. His journey from DMET to becoming a prominent figure in both film and environmentalism is a testament to his multifaceted talents and dedication to making a positive impact on the world.