MEET THE TEAM
JAKE WACHTEL
Director & Writer
American-born filmmaker Jake Wachtel began his career making short documentaries for nonprofits and social impact ventures working in the global south. In 2015, he moved to Cambodia to teach a year-long class in filmmaking to children as part of the Filmmakers Without Borders initiative. Phnom Penh became his home base for several years as he developed his first feature KARMALINK - Cambodia's first sci-fi movie - set in the community where he taught and produced with a majority Cambodian cast and crew, including his former students.
Wachtel's work has garnered significant critical acclaim, with Variety hailing it as "fascinating and frequently wondrous," The Hollywood Reporter praising it as "gripping and uniquely spun," and The Film Verdict describing it as "mind-bending and compassionate." He specializes in creating genre-fluid narratives that spring from the belief in cinema's ability to collapse the distance between people and possibilities.
Sok visal
Producer
With a diverse body of work spanning film, television, and music videos, Visal’s storytelling blends cultural depth with universal appeal, solidifying his role as a leading voice in modern Cambodian cinema. As co-producer of KARMALINK, the Buddhist sci-fi feature that opened Critics’ Week at the Venice Film Festival, he helped bring Cambodian stories to global audiences.
Alan R. Milligan
Producer
Alan R. Milligan is an award-winning film producer whose work has earned Best Film accolades at Cannes and Venice. Passionate about blending technology with a deep respect for nature, he envisions a future where innovation and environmental harmony reshape the world. Beyond filmmaking, Alan is a proud dad to two awesome sons and finds joy in traveling, meditating, and losing himself to techno beats.
Dara Phang
The Sentry / “Termite”
Dara Phang is a Cambodian actor and martial artist making waves in Cambodia’s growing film industry. Best known for his role as Sucheat in the 2017 action-packed hit JAILBREAK, he brought the traditional martial art of Bokator to the big screen with jaw-dropping flair. When he’s not dodging punches on camera, Dara wears many hats in the film world, recently stepping behind the camera to direct his first movie for local audiences. Who needs a day off when you can be a triple threat?
Daniel Raymont
The Spy / “Agent Blackwood”
Daniel Raymont is a chameleonic performer whose acutely observed impersonations have fooled just about everyone he's met. His work reflects his culturally schizophrenic background. Recent television work includes the series THEY CAME AT NIGHT directed by Eugenio Derbez, and a series regular role in Apple TV's THE MOSQUITO COAST opposite Justin Theroux. His film credits include starring roles in INSTRUCTIONS NOT INCLUDED and BUZZKILL, plus supporting roles in ROUGH NIGHT and THE GOOD HEART with Paul Dano.
Karl Erik Brøndbo
Cinematographer
Karl Erik graduated from the Norwegian Film School in 2011, and the graduation film TUBA ATLANTIC got nominated for an Academy Award. Since then, he has shot six feature films and numerous international television series, but always enjoys shooting a short film in between jobs. He has won the Camerimage festival for best cinematography in a music video.
Sverrir Kristjansson
Editor
Sverrir is an award-winning film editor from Iceland, celebrated for his work on acclaimed projects across Scandinavia. With over 20 years of experience, he has collaborated with some of the most prominent names in Scandinavian cinema. Renowned for his keen eye and storytelling instincts, Sverrir thrives on the creative challenge of shaping complex narratives and his dedication to the craft continues to bring compelling stories to life on screen.
ANNE-Sorya fitte
Production Designer
Anne-Sorya Fitte is a multidisciplinary designer with a rich cultural heritage, born in France to a Cambodian mother and a French father. After five years of study at Central Saint Martins School of Art and Design in London, Anne-Sorya launched her career as a set designer in the performing arts, to the film industry and event design, honing her skills over four years in Brussels and Paris. In 2019, embracing her Cambodian roots, she relocated to Phnom Penh and founded Kaunkat, a bespoke design studio specializing in set design and interior architecture.
Ivy liao
Vfx Supervisor
Founded in 2016, IVY IMAGES is a visual effects studio based in Los Angeles, California. It's an in demand, full service studio that continues to elevate branded content and narrative films. Notable clients include Coca-cola, DJI, Warner Media, Budlight, Wet and Wild, and many more.
Clement & Angel Ignace
Post Sound and Composing
Working between Saigon and Paris, Clement and Angel co-founded Aurae Studios, where they lead a skilled team of Vietnamese sound artists, bringing together Eastern and Western sonic sensibilities. Based at their Saigon studio, Clement composes and mixes, drawing inspiration from masters like Thomas Newman and Ennio Morricone. Angel designs sound from Paris, crafting immersive soundscapes influenced by pioneers Ben Burtt and Bruno Tarrière. Their work spans Southeast Asia and Europe, recently earning acclaim for the Mongolian film SILENT CITY DRIVER, which won the Grand Prix at Tallinn Black Nights. Together with their Vietnamese collaborators, they deliver meticulously crafted soundtracks that bridge cultural and artistic traditions.
Mayou Trikerioti
Costume Designer
Mayou is an award winning designer whose theatre work includes productions at the Young Vic, Rose, Bristol Old Vic, and Greek National Theatre. Since transitioning from production design to film costumes in 2015, she has designed for films premiering at major festivals including Cannes, Venice, and Berlinale. Her recent work includes David Cronenberg's CRIMES OF THE FUTURE and Cannes winner Anthony Chen's DRIFT. She is currently designing costumes for Amazon's Biblical series HOUSE OF DAVID.