Youssef Delara, a Los Angeles native, embarked on a remarkable journey of self-discovery and artistic expression by enrolling in Loyola Marymount Film School, where he dedicated himself to honing his skills as a director, simultaneously taking advantage of the opportunity to expand his creative horizons by concurrently pursuing courses in photography at the esteemed Art Center College of Art and Design.
Delara's academic endeavors laid the foundation for his illustrious career, as he leveraged his remarkable visual acuity to excel as a Visual Effects Associate on the esteemed Paramount Television series, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Through his tireless efforts and unwavering dedication, he rapidly ascended the ranks, ultimately assuming the esteemed position of Visual Effects Supervisor.
Delara made his directorial debut in the film industry by creating, directing, and editing his very first feature-length movie, "English as a Second Language", which premiered in the year 2004.
This remarkable cinematic production starred a talented trio of actors, including Kuno Becker, Maria Conchita Alonso, and Michael Higgins, each bringing their unique skills and expertise to their respective roles.
The movie's narrative is loosely based on Delara's own personal experiences of living in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, and it is this genuine and heartfelt approach that lends the film its immense power and emotional resonance.
As a result, "English as a Second Language" received widespread critical acclaim, with audiences and critics alike praising its thought-provoking storytelling, strong performances, and poignant exploration of the human experience.
Delara's directorial debut was a resounding success, and it marked the beginning of a long and illustrious career in the film industry for this talented individual.
In the year two thousand and nine, a production company by the name of Cima Productions took on the task of bringing a cinematic project to life, a film titled "Bedrooms" that would go on to feature an impressive cast of talented individuals, including the renowned actress Julie Benz, Moon Bloodgood, Xander Berkely, and the accomplished Barry Bostwick, with Delara assuming the roles of writer, director, and editor.
In the year 2011, Delara embarked on a creative endeavor that held a special place in his heart, a project that had been long in the making, titled "Filly Brown". This passion project was set against the vibrant backdrop of the City of Angels, Los Angeles, and boasted an impressive ensemble cast featuring a number of Latino acting stalwarts, including the renowned Edward James Olmos, the talented Jenni Rivera, and the accomplished Lou Diamond Phillips. Additionally, the film would introduce a new and promising young face to the world, none other than the talented Gina Rodriguez. The narrative of "Filly Brown" follows the captivating journey of a street rapper as she rises from relative obscurity to the threshold of superstardom, a journey that is deeply rooted in the authentic sounds and rhythms of original underground hip hop music.
The 2012 Sundance Film Festival, a renowned annual event showcasing a diverse range of cinematic masterpieces, had the privilege of featuring the highly acclaimed film "Filly Brown" as part of its prestigious Dramatic Competition lineup.
Delara directed and edited a thought-provoking psychological thriller in the year 2013, titled "Enter The Dangerous Mind", which garnered significant attention by being selected to showcase at the prestigious SXSW film festival in 2014.
The film boasted an impressive cast, featuring the talented Nikki Reed, Scott Bakula, and Jason Priestly, all of whom brought their unique acting skills to the project.
The story delves into the dark and twisted world of a psychotic EDM musician, whose descent into madness is expertly woven throughout the narrative. As the protagonist's mental state begins to deteriorate, the audience is taken on a harrowing journey, witnessing the moments leading up to a horrific killing spree.
Through Delara's masterful direction and editing, the film masterfully explores the blurred lines between reality and the protagonist's fractured psyche, creating a gripping and intense viewing experience that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats.
Delara, a multifaceted creative force, embarked on a new project in 2015, taking on the roles of writer, director, and editor for the urban romantic comedy, "The Bounce Back". This cinematic endeavour boasted an impressive cast, featuring the dashing and charismatic Shemar Moore, the talented and hilarious Bill Bellamy, and the captivating Nadine Velasquez.
The film's narrative revolves around the journey of a self-help guru novelist, a charismatic and persuasive individual who has built a reputation as a love expert, and a clinical psychologist, a rational and analytical mind who gained widespread recognition after engaging in a heated debate with the novelist on national television.
Delara is actively engaged in the creation of a one-hour music-driven dramatic television series, a project that is being jointly developed with BET, the renowned Black Entertainment Television network.
