José María Cabral is a film director and producer from the Dominican Republic, known for his early focus on creating compelling social and political dramas and thrillers. Born on July 24, 1988, Cabral began his career in the film industry at the very young age of 18 years old. He gained recognition for his ability to tackle complex social issues through his work, establishing himself as a leading figure in Dominican cinema being the first Dominican ever to enter Sundance Film Festival with his award winning film Carpinteros in 2017. His work often delves into the social-political landscape of the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean, addressing topics of the current situation but also the past. He is celebrated for his interest in telling historical dramas and shedding light into dark chapters of the region. Winning the Audience Award in Miami Film Festival 2022 with Parsley, a film about the tragic Haitian massacre ordered by dictator Trujillo in 1937. Cabral has also focused on environmental documentaries that explore the challenges his country faces in the present and near future due to climate change and global warming.