Rel is a Philadelphia-born filmmaker and educator whose work focuses on real people, real struggles, and real change. A graduate of Fisk University and Boston University’s Film Program, he won honors at the prestigious **Redstone Film Festival in 1995**. He is also a full-time university professor, **Director of Film Studies**, English scholar, and respected film historian.

Rel has conducted prominent, in-depth interviews with veteran, award-winning actors such as **Ving Rhames, Keith David, Tony Todd, Roger Guenveur Smith, Larenz Tate,** and **Mykelti Williamson**. In spring 2023, he was featured on **The 700 Club**, where he discussed the impact of casting an African-American actress in the remake of *The Little Mermaid*. His comments on inclusion and inspiring youth—especially young African-Americans—were widely praised.

This master class will be an opportunity to:  
- Learn directly from a working filmmaker, producer, and professor  
- Gain insight into acting and storytelling for powerful, truthful films  
- Ask questions about the craft and the business of film and television