Visra Vichit-Vadakan

Visra Vichit-Vadakan is a dynamic filmmaker who operates between California and Bangkok. Originally hailing from San Francisco, she relocated to Bangkok at the age of nine with her family.

Vichit-Vadakan holds degrees in biology and education from Stanford University, complemented by a formal education in film from the renowned Tisch School of the Arts at New York University. Her lineage includes notable figures; she is the granddaughter of Luang Wichitwathakan, a prominent Thai politician, historian, novelist, and playwright.

In 2010, she wed fellow Stanford alumnus Christopher Cox, who plays a pivotal role as chief of staff to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, overseeing the development of the platform’s suite of applications, including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Messenger.

A passionate advocate for social issues, Vichit-Vadakan crafts films that blend documentary and narrative styles, leveraging her educational background to inspire societal change. Her notable works include several acclaimed short films screened at the Rotterdam International Film Festival, and her debut feature film, 'Karaoke Girl,' which tells the poignant story of a young sex worker in Bangkok. This film premiered in competition at the Rotterdam festival and garnered attention at various international film events. Additionally, she co-founded the Southeast Asia Fiction Film Lab, a script development initiative designed to empower Southeast Asian filmmakers in honing their craft.