Fernando Luis Zapata is a New York City born and based filmmaker and video artist. He is a retired U.S. Air Force officer and Special Operations Pilot who is currently earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Film and Media Studies from Columbia University. Fernando also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in History from the U.S. Air Force Academy and a Master of Arts degree in Military Arts & Sciences from the American Military University.

During his studies at Columbia University, he’s supported several Film & Media Studies events including the 2022 Women and the Silent Screen Conference and the 2024 "Cine-Memoria": Latin American Cinemas Conference. He’s also been placed on the Dean’s List every semester of his attendance and was inducted into Columbia University’s School of General Studies Honor Society. He’s also been awarded the David Halperin Veteran's Scholarship, the Walter and Shirley Wang Yellow Ribbon Scholarship, and the Hunter S. Thompson Scholarship.