Born in Southern California, Joel's a half-Japanese, multi-hyphenate, Emmy award winning film and commercial director who seeks to give a voice to marginalized individuals. His web series “Almost Asian” co-created with his sister Katie Malia, explores the ethnic dichotomies and racial diversities as a half-Asian mix. Joel directed “Game Breakers” for the Olympic Channel, spotlighting marginalized, minority athletes who’ve overcome life obstacles and won Olympic medals.
In 2020, Joel directed “Slow Down Time,” a docu-short highlighting the lives of eight individuals in Los Angeles during the COVID-19 pandemic. Original score by musician, Julianna Barwick and premiered on PBS.
From 2018 – 2021, Joel shot and directed “POSE: Identity, Community, Respect,” a 30-episode vérité doc spotlighting the largest transgender cast ever assembled for television (currently nominated for the 73rd Emmy Awards).
His experimental short film “Sight Unseen” (presented by NOWNESS) features music by FKA Twigs and was screened at the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles.
Joel's directed pieces for Microsoft, Porsche, Nike, Adidas, Levis, Puma, FX Network, Netflix, Digitas Health, Merck, EHE Health, and more.
***AWARDS: 1x Emmy WINNER. 5x Emmy Nominee. 1x Clio silver WINNER, 3x Clio bronze WINNER. New Orleans Film Festival Audience Award WINNER for narrative short film VARMiNT. Dances with Films Grand Jury Prize WINNER for VARMiNT.
