Carlton Daniel Jr. (he/they) is a writer-director born and raised in Cleveland, OH, who makes films that explore the nuanced experiences of Black and LGBTQIA+ American life. Their storytelling centers themes of coming-of-age, be/longing, and love.

Daniel made a notable debut with their award-winning short film MONOGAMISH, which garnered acclaim at over 20 festivals internationally and premiered at Outfest LA. Their follow-up short, HOMEGOING, received a $40,000 production grant from CNY Arts and screened at Academy and BAFTA-qualifying film festivals, including the American Black Film Festival, Atlanta Film Festival, Palm Springs International ShortFest, Inside Out Toronto, and Outfest LA.

Daniel is currently developing a feature-length adaptation of HOMEGOING, which was selected for the Outfest Screenwriting Lab and AT&T & Tribeca Film Festival’s Untold Stories pitch competition.

In addition, Daniel wrote and directed “REBECCA,” an episode of 20th Digital Studio’s horror anthology series BITE SIZE HALLOWEEN, which premiered at the Urbanworld Film Festival and streamed on Hulu.

Their latest short, FLY, premiered at the 2026 Cleveland International Film Festival and was selected for the HBO Short Film Award Showcase at the American Black Film Festival. FLY also screened at NewFest Pride, RiverRun International Film Festival, Inside Out Toronto, and NewFilmmakers Los Angeles.

Daniel holds an MFA in Film from Syracuse University and is currently an Assistant Professor at San Diego State University’s School of Theatre, Television, and Film.