Visra Vichit-Vadakan is a multifaceted filmmaker with a strong connection to both California and Bangkok, where she currently resides.
Born in San Francisco, United States, she relocated to Bangkok with her parents at the tender age of 9, which had a profound impact on her life and future endeavors.
Visra's academic background is impressive, having graduated with a degree in biology and education from the prestigious University of Stanford. She further honed her filmmaking skills at the renowned Tisch School of the Arts at New York University.
Interestingly, Visra's family tree boasts a notable figure in the form of her granddaughter, Luang Wichitwathakan, a prominent Thai politician, historian, novelist, and playwright.
In 2010, Visra tied the knot with her fellow Stanford University alumnus, Christopher Cox, who currently serves as the chief of staff to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg on product development and is responsible for overseeing the company's "family of apps," which includes Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Messenger.
As a socially conscious filmmaker, Visra combines her passion for documentary and fiction to create films that tackle pressing social issues. With her background in education and film, she hopes to bring about positive change through her work.
Visra has made several critically acclaimed short films, including those screened at the prestigious Rotterdam International Film Festival. Her debut feature film, 'Karaoke Girl,' is a poignant portrayal of the life of a young sex worker in Bangkok and premiered in competition at the Rotterdam International Film Festival, garnering international recognition and acclaim.
Furthermore, Visra co-founded the Southeast Asia Fiction Film Lab, a script development program aimed at supporting Southeast Asian filmmakers by nurturing and advancing their scripts.
Throughout her illustrious career, Visra Vichit-Vadakan has consistently demonstrated her commitment to creating thought-provoking and impactful films that shed light on pressing social issues, while also celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Southeast Asia.
