Ken Ochiai's filmmaking journey began at the tender age of 12, when he created his first film. Following his high school graduation, he bid farewell to his hometown of Tokyo, Japan, and embarked on a new adventure in the United States, driven by his passion to become a film director.
After completing his Bachelor of Arts in production from the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts in 2006, Ochiai further honed his craft by earning his Master of Fine Arts in directing from the American Film Institute Conservatory in 2008.
Throughout his illustrious career, Ochiai has helmed over 30 short films, commercials, and music videos, garnering widespread recognition and accolades. Notable among these are "Half Kenneth", which won the Jury Prize from the Directors Guild of America; "Frog In The Well", which claimed the Crystal Award at the Heartland Film Festival; and "Miyuki's Wind Bell", which took home the Sapporo Peace Award at the Sapporo Short Fest.
Reel to Reel Reviewer praised "Half Kenneth" as "a terrific, emotionally-charged film that turns an eye onto a dark period of American history few know, or even think of."
In recognition of his outstanding achievements in filmmaking, Ochiai received the Young Alumni Award from the USC Asian Pacific Alumni Association.
Tiger Mask, his debut feature film, is an adaptation of a legendary Japanese comic book series, produced by Toshiaki Nakazawa, producer of the Oscar-winning film "Departures".
Praise for Ochiai's work has come from esteemed industry professionals, including Frank Pierson, Oscar-winning writer and former president of the Writers Guild of America and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, who describes Ochiai as "a visually imaginative and bold director". Jim McBride, director of The Big Easy, has also praised Ochiai, stating that he is "extremely inventive with visual storytelling and portraying internal states of mind".
