MAKARA OUCH
Film Director/Producer/Writer
Makara is a filmmaker based in Cambodia, showcasing a diverse skill set encompassing Photography, Cinematography, Film Editing, Scriptwriting, and Directing. With a strong background in documentary filmmaking, he is a media and communication professional who honed his expertise through the International Documentary Film program at the USC School of Cinematic Arts.
His cinematic journey began at Khmer Mekong Films, where he contributed significantly from 2006 to 2013. Makara directed notable short films such as "A Senior’s Love" and "KOH KER: The Lost Wonder," demonstrating his prowess in storytelling and visual narration.
In late 2013, Makara assumed the role of Film Director and Producer at the Documentation Center of Cambodia (DC-Cam), where he spearheaded the production and direction of several impactful documentaries. These include works such as “Anlong Veng,” “The Kingdom of Memory,” “Hope for the Future,” “Integrity,” and “The Long Road to Education.” Notably, he also undertook the creation of a social spot, "Sidewalk," commissioned by Blue Media Cambodia and Phnom Penh City Hall. His commitment to education and social awareness is further evident in the series of documentaries he directed and produced for DC-Cam, covering topics like “Village History,” "Pol Pot Home," and Genocide Education in Cambodia, which were screened in Cambodian high schools.
Beyond filmmaking, Makara's talent extended to photography, as he was chosen to capture the regality of His Majesty Norodom Sihamoni, the King of Cambodia, Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, and the entire Royal family for the book “The Royal House of Cambodia.”
Makara's dedication to continuous learning led him to film training in South Korea, Thailand, and Japan through the FilmLeader Incubator (FLY) Program. He also participated in a regional US-ASEAN film workshop as part of the YSEALI program in Luang Prabang (LAO) in 2017. His exceptional talent was recognized globally when he was awarded one of the 12 fellowships sponsored by the University of Southern California to study film in the prestigious “American Film Showcase” program at the School of Cinematic Arts in 2018.
In 2019, Makara unveiled his mid-length documentary film, "Jungle Guard," a poignant portrayal of a unique Buddhist monk community voluntarily safeguarding a vast natural forest in Cambodia's Anlong Veng district. This film served as a powerful educational tool on climate change awareness and the importance of preserving natural resources. "Jungle Guard" was widely screened in universities and public spaces across Cambodia, earning acclaim and support from entities such as the U.S. Embassy in Cambodia, USAID, UNDP, and the Royal Government of Cambodia.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Makara was honored with THE ROYAL ORDER OF CAMBODIA – THIPADEN from His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni in late 2017, a testament to his significant impact on the Cambodian filmmaking landscape.
Filmography
2006 Training in HSV Broadcast to be a sound operator.
2006 General assistant in Khmer Mekong Films.
2008 Boom operator in “Up Side Down” Khmer comedy (series 1 & 2) and “ The Air Wave ” ( Drama 50 episodes) in Khmer Mekong Films.
2009_2O11 Head of Sound Department in Khmer Mekong Films and boom and sound operator in ”Beauty of Life” (Drama - 30 episodes), ” My Family My Heart” (Drama - 30 episodes).
2012 Cameraman of “The Impostor” (Drama 78 episode) and a short film named “Beautiful Heart” as Director of photography, cameraman and editor.
2013 Cameraman of “The Promise “ (Drama - 160 episodes) in Khmer Mekong Films.
“ A Senior’s Love “ as Co-Director, Cinematographer and editor.
Documentary teaser " Koh Ker The Lost Wonder ” as a Director, Cinematographer, Editor.
And one horror short film called " The Lock " as Co-Director and Cinematographer.
November, 2013 Completed Film Workshop of AFCNet (FLY Program-Film Leader Incubator) In Korea(Busan) & Thailand.
February-March, 2014 Completed Film Workshop FLYxRe: J Film workshop in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.
December, 2017 Completed AFS US-ASEAN Regional Film Workshop in Loung Pra-Bang, Lao PDR.
June 2018 Completed Film Workshop in University of Southern California (USC), SCHOOL of CINEMATIC ARTS (SCA) in American Film Showcase Program.
Late 2017-2019 Produced and Directed documentary film "Jungle Guard".
Late 2019 Directed a TV drama series entitled, "Pkol Meas" which produced by Studio 4 and commissioned by Cambodia Television Network (CTN)
2020 Director of photography for Klahan9 House Season 2 series, produced by BBC Media Action.
2021 Produced and Directed an original web series "Prince and the lady frog" (20Episode).
Early 2022 Directed a TV drama series, "Keo Muk Ses" which produced by Studio 4 (50Episode)
Photography
The Royal House of Cambodia Book
Cambodia's Hidden Scar (Second Edition)
The Urn-Nothing is Permanent
MEDAL
THE ROYAL ORDER OF CAMBODIA – THIPADEN