Lara Aqel is an Arab-American cinematographer and director working across commercial, documentary, music video, and narrative film.
Drawn to intentional, emotionally resonant storytelling across genres, Lara creates work that balances stylization with atmosphere and human intimacy.
Lara’s work has been recognized by Cannes Lions, Cinequest, and the CMT Awards. She is based in Atlanta where she lives with her husband, toddler son, and two cats. She works locally in New York and travels worldwide.
Selected Awards
CMT Awards – Winner, Female Video of the Year – Heart Like a Truck – Lainey Wilson – Dir. Elizabeth Olmstead
Cinequest – Winner, Best Narrative Short: Comedy – Pozole – Dir. Jessica Mendez-Siqueiros
Las Cruces International Film Festival – Winner, Best Cinematography & Best Narrative Short – Adeline the Great – Dir. Jessica Mendez-Siqueiros
Cannes Lions – Winner, Bronze Cannes Lions – Black Makes a Way – Dir. J.M. Harper
Associations
International collective of female cinematographers [ICFC]
CinematographersXX