Ana Grillo is a renowned documentary photographer and filmmaker based in Chiang Mai, Thailand, who has garnered widespread recognition for her exceptional work in the field. Her illustrious career began in the late 1990s as a photojournalist for the New York Times, during which she honed her skills and developed a passion for storytelling through images.
As her career progressed, Ana crossed over into filmmaking, co-directing two feature documentary films in the 2010s. Her debut film, "Camp Beaverton: Meet the Beavers," enjoyed a global tour, earning a special jury prize at the Rio de Janeiro film festival and topping the Hulu documentary charts for six consecutive weeks.
Ana's work in Asia is characterized by its focus on pressing issues, including women's empowerment, wild elephant conservation, and the environmental concerns surrounding mangrove forests and climate change. She is the founder and director of Good Karma Projects, an organization that facilitates volunteer adventures, media-making missions, and yoga retreats, all while promoting positive change through documentary filmmaking.
In 2015, Ana led a groundbreaking documentary filmmaking bootcamp in India, specifically designed for women aged 14-64. The project, titled "Nari Shakti: Women of Tirthan Valley," centered around women's savings groups and has since inspired thousands of individuals throughout the Great Himalayan Mountains.
Ana's mission is to produce uplifting content that increases awareness and inspires action. She accomplishes this through the creation of short videos, documentary films, photo books, and picture stories that showcase the resilience and strength of individuals and communities around the world.
