Dakarai Akil’s journey into film is anything but ordinary. Before becoming a rising force as an actor and filmmaker, Akil excelled on the basketball court at Sam Houston State University, playing on a full Division I scholarship. While his peers pursued professional sports careers, Akil chose a different path—one rooted in storytelling. It was in college that he first picked up a camera, creating short films and web series that hinted at the cinematic voice he would later refine.
After graduation, he immersed himself in the industry from the ground up, working as both a background actor and production assistant. That grassroots experience gave him a foundation in both performance and production, and soon after, he found himself standing out in front of the camera. His breakout came with his award-winning short film America, which earned Best Drama Film and Best Actor honors in both New York and London. The project was a bold statement, establishing Akil as both a performer with depth and a filmmaker unafraid of tackling charged, emotional narratives.
Building on that momentum, Akil continued to create award-winning shorts before crossing into feature-length projects as an actor. His credits include Dirty Third: Next Generation,
The SZN, and Perpetrators in Government Systems—all streaming on major platforms such as Apple TV, Amazon Prime, and Tubi—along with numerous lead and supporting roles across independent cinema.
But Akil’s ambitions extended beyond acting. In his feature directorial debut, The Hooper, he wore multiple hats as writer, director, producer, and star—a testament to his versatility and drive. Currently, he is in post-production on his second feature, Dark Times, further solidifying his reputation as a filmmaker with a cinematic eye and a distinctive storytelling voice.
In addition to his narrative work, Akil has directed commercials, music videos, and branded visuals through his company, 3D Productionz. What began as an unofficial creative outlet in college became an official production house in 2020, serving artists, businesses, and fellow storytellers with polished, impactful visual content.
Today, Dakarai Akil stands as a multi-hyphenate talent bridging athletics, performance, and filmmaking with a relentless pursuit of craft. His career is defined by resilience, range, and vision—qualities that continue to drive his work as both a director and actor, and now, as a mentor through his Directing Masterclass.
In this 50-minute masterclass, award-winning filmmaker and actor Dakarai Akil breaks down the art of directing with a focus on visual storytelling—how to move beyond words on a page and create emotion, tension, and rhythm through the lens.
Drawing from his own experience writing, directing, and starring in films such as The Hooper and the upcoming Dark Times, Akil will guide participants through the key elements that bring a story to life on screen:
• Crafting a Vision – How to break down a script, identify themes, and shape a director’s point of view.
• Shot Design & Composition – Using framing, camera movement, and blocking to elevate performance and story.
• Working with Actors – Building trust, shaping authentic performances, and bridging the gap between actor and director.
• Directing on a Budget – Strategies for maximizing production value with limited resources.
• Building a Career Path – Lessons from Akil’s own journey, from creating award-winning shorts to directing features, commercials, and music videos.