Joseph Lao is an Internationally Award Winning Filipino-American Filmmaker and Published Photographer. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, he developed his interest in filmmaking by making home-videos with his neighborhood friends. Joseph would later receive a Masters in Film from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA. His first film industry job was working as a Office Production Assistant at Ridley Scott's and Associates. Today he is the current Director of Creative Services at Tilta of North America. ​ Awards and Recognition: ​ 2024 Future of Film Awards - Best First Time Director (Feature): July 2022 Direct Monthly Online Film Festival - Festival Choice Award of the Month: July 2022 Paris Play Film Festival - Best Director and Best Director of Photography 2022 Couch Film Festival - Best Drama North America 2022 Sea of Art Film Festival - Best Director 2022 Filmmaker of the Month - May 2022 (First Monthly Film Festival) 2022 First Monthly Film Festival - Best: Director, Short Film, Drama, Thriller, Cinematography 2021 International Music Video Underground Paris - Best Dance Video 2016 Avion Tequila Cocktail Demonstration Grand Prize 2016 Bronze ADDY 2010 SCHEMA Solutions at Work