Born in the Philippines in 2000, Carl Joseph Lara is a writer/director/editor. He graduated with a degree in Fine Arts majoring in Cinema from the University of San Carlos, Cebu. His student documentary short film, KAHAYAG SA KANGITNGIT (2021) won the Shorts Jury Prize and Audience Choice Awards at the BINISAYA Film Festival and was exhibited in local film festivals. He explores psychoanalysis, cultivating his keenness on the themes of humanity and the mind while transcending folkloric elements. His stories forefront the minorities such as individuals with mental disabilities, the LGBTQ community, women, and children. He is currently the community director of BINISAYA Film Festival.