Recently, veteran Austin movie-maker PJ Raval has taken audiences into the worlds of a murdered transgender woman in the Philippines (“Call Her Ganda”); three senior gay men (“Before You Know It”); and a Chinese-American college student who turns into a charismatic anti-gun violence leader (“Come and Take It”).

This short list barely scratches the surface of his work. Starting in the year 2000, Raval has been credited as producer on more than 25 films, as director on more than 30, and as cinematographer on more than 40.

Raval’s movies regularly compete at the most prestigious film festivals and have won dozens of important awards. He teaches film at the University of Texas.