John Gray is a Brooklyn-born writer, director, and producer known for creating the long-running CBS series Ghost Whisperer and for writing and directing numerous Emmy-nominated and critically acclaimed television films. He served as producing director on the CBS series Reckless and has helmed several studio and independent feature films, including the award-winning White Irish Drinkers, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and screened at BIFF. His short films have been featured in festivals worldwide, with French Kiss amassing over 6.3 million views on YouTube. He currently lives in Ireland with his wife, writer-filmmaker Melissa Jo Peltier.
Please List the Title of Your Film at BIFF 2026
A GUEST IN MY COUNTRY
What was your first experience with film and how did it influence your first project?
While a high school student in 1976, I applied for and received an AFI grant to make a short film. That experience solidified my love of filmmaking and cemented my ambition to spend my life making movies—which I’ve been fortunate enough to do.
Who are your favorite Filmmakers?
Peter Weir, Orson Welles, Preston Sturges
What are you working on that no one knows about?
My second novel.
Who would play you in a movie? What’s your go to movie snack? What’s the film title that best describes your life?
Play me in a movie: Don Knotts.
Go-to movie snack: Raisinets.
Film title that best describes my life: It’s a Wonderful Life.
