Marisa is a Thai-Italian-American director based in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
I'm Marisa, a Thai-Italian-American filmmaker, photographer, and writer based in the beautiful city of Chiang Mai. My passion lies at the intersection of storytelling, visual artistry, and cultural exploration, and my work is deeply rooted in the rich traditions and vibrant landscapes of Northern Thailand.
I grew up in Hong Kong attending a French school and spent my 20s in Washington, DC, and New York, where I earned a BA in Visual Media an MFA in photography and video. During this time, I worked primarily in television, honing my skills and storytelling craft. In 2010, I returned to my country of birth, Thailand – this time to the North. Since then, my documentary work has focused on exploring the region with an emphasis on disappearing heritage, environmental issues, and behind-the-scenes storytelling, particularly with crafts and cultural traditions.
One of my notable projects is "Smoke: A Crisis in Northern Thailand,” a documentary I produced and directed, which covers the devastating environmental effects of agricultural burning across the region and its widespread social impact. My passion for diverse storytelling also extends to creating music videos and travelogues, offering a creative outlet to explore culture and landscapes in unique ways.
Recently, I worked as a Director of Photography on the Netflix documentary Orgasm Inc., a bold and thought-provoking exploration into the intersections of wellness, power, and commerce. Additionally, I produced eight episodes of The Perfect High Podcast, an insider’s look into the current events of Thailand’s blossoming cannabis industry.
I am the co-founder of the Chiang Mai Filmmaker's Collective and was honored to receive the Stowe Story Labs fellowship in 2021 alongside my co-creator Eda Benjakul for our pilot script, Star of Siam. This script went on to become a finalist in the Sundance Episodic Lab in 2022.
Star of Siam is a historical fiction TV series that my co-creator, Eda Benjakul, and I have been developing since 2019. Inspired by our shared family histories, the series delves into the fascinating and complex CIA activities in Thailand during the 1960s. Historian and writer David Lawitts joined the team in 2021 and continues researching this period with me into 2024.
I am also honored to serve on the board of Urban Light, a Chiang Mai-based organization dedicated to empowering at-risk boys to escape cycles of sexual exploitation and trafficking. This work aligns closely with my personal mission of being an ethical and compassionate storyteller.
Beyond filmmaking, I’ve carved out a niche in bespoke travel planning and guiding in Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand. I’ve also worked as a fixer and location scout on various productions, providing essential support and local insights to ensure successful shoots. Combining my love for crafts, shopping, culture, and food, I design personalized journeys that immerse travelers in the authentic heart of this region. If you’re seeking an insider’s perspective and an unforgettable travel experience, visit ChiangMaiWithMarisa.com to learn more.
Marisa on CNN.
I take CNN’s Paula Newton on a tuk-tuk ride around town for an architectural tour of Chiang Mai. Together, we looked to the future and discussed the city’s disappearing heritage.