Documentary Film and Photo Production in Thailand for NGO clients

A Journey Into the Heart of Thailand’s Rice Culture

Our recent project with MARS, GIZ Thailand, and Getty Images took us deep into the villages and vast rice fields of Roi Et and Ang Thong. This was not just another production trip. It was a chance for Mandolin Media’s documentary film and photography production team to witness and capture the real, often unseen effort behind rice growing that so many of us enjoy every day. From early-morning fieldwork to the quiet craft of traditional silk weaving, this journey revealed the resilience, pride, and humanity at the center of Thailand’s agricultural heritage.

Our team on-site in Roi Et, ready to capture the authentic stories behind Thailand’s rice fields.

Our Role

Our team was made up of an efficient, three-person crew, supported by a local GiZ team and a representative from our client’s side who we worked alongside throughout the shoot. Paul, our Creative Director, was on location with our senior crew members - DOP San and photographer Jackie - working together as a team to capture the best possible content throughout the shoot. 

Documenting the rhythms of daily farming life, from early morning tasks to the natural beauty of the rice fields.

Seeing the Work Behind Every Grain

Our first destination was Roi Et, where we met farmers who work the land with patience and strength. Standing among their fields, listening to their stories, we were reminded that rice is not simply a product. It is the result of long days under the sun, countless decisions, and generations of knowledge passed down through families.

We interviewed a local farmer who shared how deeply their life is connected to the soil. Their hands, their tools, and the fields around them all told a story of hard work that often goes unnoticed. Filming their routine in real time allowed us to capture the honesty of their world - the sounds of the wind, the movement of water, the rhythm of planting and harvesting.

Recording a heartfelt interview with a local farmer, sharing the realities and traditions behind their work.

Women at the Heart of the Community

A powerful part of this project was witnessing the role of women in sustaining cultural traditions. In one of the villages, we documented women weaving beautiful textiles by hand. Their weaving was steady, intentional, and filled with skill shaped over years of practice.

This part of the journey added a new layer to the story. It showed that the community’s strength comes not only from the fields but also from the women whose craft preserves identity, culture, and livelihood. The weaving became a visual symbol of dedication - just like farming, it is a work of patience, precision, and passion.

Capturing Real Moments, Naturally

Our goal throughout this project was to let authenticity guide every shot.

San captured B roll and interviews, focusing on the natural movement of everyday life.Paul directed the drone cinematography, revealing the vast beauty of Thailand’s fields from above - from winding waterways to golden rice patches stretching into the distance.Jackie photographed the scenes as they unfolded, preserving the expressions, textures, and quiet emotions of the farmers and weavers.

Every moment was real, unscripted, and filled with meaning.

Filming an honest conversation with a local farmer, capturing the stories and traditions rooted in their daily life.

From Roi Et to Ang Thong

The journey continued in Ang Thong, where the landscapes softened into calm shades of green and the light added a gentle glow to each scene. Here, the harmony between people and nature became even more visible. Every environment, from fields to weaving houses, felt peaceful yet full of story. These locations allowed the visuals to speak for themselves, showing the world how beautiful everyday life can be.

Paul piloting the drone to reveal sweeping aerial views of Thailand’s landscapes and the harmony between people and nature.

A Story Worth Sharing

This project reminded us why documentation matters. Behind every meal, every grain of rice, and every piece of handwoven fabric is a person working, creating, and caring for their community.

We hope that through this project, you can feel the depth, strength, and beauty we witnessed.

Let’s Create Something Meaningful Together

If you want to tell real stories about people, culture, and the world they shape, Mandolin Media is here to bring those stories to life.