We had the good fortune of connecting with Wara Pornkulwat and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Wara, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Taking risks has always been a core part of my journey. From the moment I chose to pursue cinematography, I’ve trusted my instincts. Choosing to study film sparked a major argument with my family. Although I stood my ground and eventually won their support, I knew I had to prove that I could build a sustainable career in this field.

Growing up in the countryside of Thailand, my first major leap was moving to Bangkok—a place where I knew no one in the film industry. I started from the very bottom as a camera assistant. Driven by my dream of becoming a cinematographer, I eventually left that job to focus on building connections and gaining experience, working on low-budget commercials and music videos.

In 2017, I took another leap and moved to Los Angeles. Again, I knew no one and had to start from scratch. After some time, I decided to return to Thailand to deepen my experience as a cinematographer. It was tough at first—I felt like I had failed—but over time, I grew. I improved my craft and had the opportunity to work on a range of commercials and narrative projects for both Thai and international clients, including those from Japan, India, Indonesia, and the United States.

Still, I felt the urge to take another chance. I left everything behind to apply to the American Film Institute Conservatory. I got accepted, and that risk became one of the most rewarding decisions of my life. It opened the door to meaningful collaborations and friendships with people I hope to work with in the future. And now I’m taking another risk, another chance in Los Angeles.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Every challenge is an opportunity to grow. As a cinematographer, I constantly remind myself that nothing is truly out of reach. My journey began with a passion for photography, which gradually evolved into a deep love for cinema. There were moments when the path felt uncertain and overwhelming, but being surrounded by talented crews and collaborators helped me push through. Together, we tackled the challenges of film production and learned from each other.

Collaboration is at the heart of this industry. While most experiences are inspiring, there are times when working with the wrong team can feel uncomfortable or even discouraging. But even in those moments, there’s something to learn. Each experience—good or bad—teaches you how to navigate the collaborative nature of filmmaking and become stronger for it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’d love to take them on a culinary tour around Los Angeles, where the city’s rich cultural diversity is reflected in its incredible international food scene. With people from all over the world calling LA home, each cuisine offers something unique—flavors that are authentic, vibrant, and unlike anything else.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my parents, whose unwavering love and support made this journey possible. Their encouragement has meant more than words can express. I’m also deeply grateful to GEARHEAD rental for giving me my first opportunity to step into the film industry in Thailand—it was the starting point of everything.

To the directors who trusted me and gave me space to grow as a cinematographer, thank you for believing in me. I’m equally thankful to my teachers and mentors, who always welcomed my questions with patience and generosity.

Finally to the instructors and collaborators at the American Film Institute Conservatory—thank you for challenging me, guiding me, and helping me take my craft to the next level.

Website: https://www.wara-dp.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wara_dp

Image Credits
Netflix Thailand, Yupp, GWM Thailand, Coca-cola Japan, UOB Thailand

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