Lara Aqel is a Director and DP whose work merges cinematic visuals with human-centered stories. She creates visual worlds grounded in emotion and a sense of place. Above all, Lara brings an observational eye to her storytelling, imbuing it with a quiet elegance.
Born in Jordan, Lara studied film abroad in the Czech Republic and Australia. She made a name for herself in New York’s competitive film scene, winning top awards at festivals, including a 2021 Cannes Bronze Lion for the branded Facebook video “Black Makes a Way.” Her diverse portfolio of work includes clients like HBO, Comedy Central, Covergirl, Google, Ford, JP Morgan Chase, and Teen Vogue.
Lara now resides in Atlanta and has become one of the most sought-after collaborators in the Southeast. She loves the diverse community of artists in the south and is drawn to projects where she can find and photograph moments that feel human.