Pailin Wedel

Pailin Wedel is a Thai-American producer and visual journalist, recognized for her impactful work in documentary filmmaking and journalism. She is best known for directing and producing the acclaimed documentary Hope Frozen (2018), which explores the story of a Thai family that chose to cryonically preserve their daughter after her death, and was later distributed by Netflix in 2020.13

Early Life and Education

Born to a political philosopher and a journalist, Pailin spent her early years in various countries including India, Singapore, and Thailand. She graduated from NIST International School in Bangkok before moving to the United States, where she earned a degree in biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2004.1

Career Highlights

Pailin began her career as a photojournalist at The News & Observer in North Carolina before transitioning to video production. She has produced content for renowned outlets such as The New York Times, National Geographic, and Al Jazeera.23 Notably, she served as a director on Al Jazeera's 101 East, covering significant issues in Southeast Asia, including drug production and political activism.1

In addition to Hope Frozen, Pailin directed The Trapped 13: How We Survived The Thai Cave for Netflix, further solidifying her reputation in documentary filmmaking.1 She is also the co-founder of 2050 Productions, a documentary team based in Bangkok that focuses on socially relevant stories.3

Awards and Recognition

Pailin's work has garnered numerous awards, including Best International Feature Documentary at the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival and an International Emmy Award for Hope Frozen. Her films often address themes of faith, trauma, and the intersection of tradition and modernity.23

Current Work

As a freelance producer and visual journalist, Pailin continues to work with various prestigious media organizations while also teaching courses on video journalism. Her contributions to journalism have made her a prominent figure in the field, particularly within Southeast Asia.45