Kyra Elise Gardner

Kyra Elise Gardner is an accomplished American filmmaker, celebrated for her impactful works such as *The Dollhouse* (2017), *Inked* (2018), and *Phoebe* (2019). Garnering attention early in her career, Kyra directed her first short film, *Past Presence*, which was notably one of only eight student films selected for the prestigious "First Time Filmmaker's" Division at the 39th Annual Cleveland International Film Festival. Remarkably, she achieved this feat at just 16 years old, making her the youngest participant in the festival's history.

Kyra’s documentary *The Dollhouse* premiered globally at the FrightFest Film Festival in London, coinciding with the world premiere of Universal's horror film *Cult of Chucky*. In a significant recognition of her talent, Universal Studios featured her short documentary as a bonus on the DVD and Blu-ray release of *Cult of Chucky*.

Her dedication to her craft culminated in her senior thesis film, *Phoebe*, produced while attending Florida State University. This work earned her the distinction of Best Woman Student Filmmaker from the Directors Guild of America, highlighting her as a rising star in the film industry. Kyra Gardner continues to make waves in the filmmaking community, showcasing her unique voice and vision through her compelling narratives.