Srey Vutha - Professional Media Fixer
With over a decade of experience in Cambodia’s media, documentaries, film, TV and another decade in advocacy, forestry, land and human rights sectors, Srey Vutha is a dedicated media fixer who bridges the gap between international crews and local communities. He is known for his expertise in environmental conservation and human rights, supporting international and domestic media productions with integrity and professionalism.
Vutha has collaborated with international filmmakers, journalists, and NGOs, facilitating productions focused on environmental challenges, human rights, and Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage. His role extends beyond logistical support; he brings cultural sensitivity, deep local knowledge, and an extensive network across government bodies, NGOs, and local communities.
Having supported projects with well-known media outlets such as ABC News, CBS News, National Geographic, 60 Minutes, Mongabay, The Guardian, Business Insider and France24, Vutha ensures that every story is told with accuracy and respect.
Core Skills and Approach
-Logistical Coordination: Organizing transportation, accommodation, equipment handling, and site access to ensure seamless filming operations.
- Translation and Interpretation: Fluent in Khmer and English, Vutha provides precise translation and real-time interpretation for interviews, dialogues, and on-camera interactions.
-Local Expertise and Research: Drawing on his knowledge of Cambodian culture and history, Vutha identifies meaningful filming locations and conducts background research to provide context on each story.
-Cultural Mediation: Serving as a cultural bridge, he advises on local customs and sensitivities, helping international crews connect respectfully with communities.
-Risk Management and Compliance: Vutha handles bureaucratic processes, secures permits, and navigates political sensitivities to mitigate risks for production teams.
Investigative Reporting: Investigate and expose hidden issues such as wild animal trades, human rights abuses, environmental crimes, and social injustices.
Work highlights
Documentary Film & Media Fixer/Translator
Last Lands: Cambodia, ABC News Victor.M Ordonez, and correspondent Bob Woodruff, Andy Ball, Documentary Cinematographer & Director.
The Looting of Cambodia W/ correspondent Anderson Cooper (in production) 60 Minutes/CBSnews/ Michael H. Gavshon/ Nadim Roberts; Andy Ball, Documentary Cinematographer & Director.
Textile Industry in Cambodia, Anna Fein, Sibylle Zuern. Cartagena Medien GmbH.
Small-scale fishers lose out to trawlers in race to catch Cambodia’s last fish
Andy Ball, Gerry Flynn for Mongabay.
Documentary film on Koh Kong Land Conflict
Andy Ball, Documentary Cinematographer & Director/Director Martakaszti.
Searching for Cambodia’s Stolen Crown Jewels CBS News.
Cambodian fishers-turned-citizen scientists monitor marine mammal deaths Mongabay
Cambodian environment minister bans logging at tycoon’s Cardamoms hydropower project Mongabay
Efforts to save Cambodia’s coast tread water as fish stocks plummet
Andy Ball, Documentary Cinematographer & Director & Mongabay
Cambodia's giant lake shrinks as climate change, Mekong dams cut fish supply FRANCESCA REGALADO Nikkei staff writer/ Srey Vutha
Speeding Up the Economy: The Role of Methamphetamines in the Southeast Asian Boom, The Diplomat/Daniel Zak/ Srey Vutha
Mekong River Development & the impacts Benjamin & Jenny Matikainen. Finnish Broadcasting Television/Yle Areena
2023 Documentary/Media Fixer SCMP Short Films Mining the Mekong South China Morning Post/ Andy Ball,
Documentary Cinematographer & Director
Fishing on the TonleSap Lake Yun Chea Wan - KBS TV
Upstream dams are drowning Cambodia’s protected flooded forest
Andy Ball, Documentary Cinematographer & Director & Martakaszti.
True Cost Series: The Dark Truth About Rubber
Business Insider/Andy Ball
Cambodia’s At-Risk Construction Workers Raise Families On-Site,
New Naratiff/Andy Ball, Documentary Cinematographer & Director
Fisheries crackdown pushes Cambodians to the brink on Tonle Sap lake
Mongabay Gerry Flynn/ Vutha Srey
Mining the Mekong: Land and livelihoods lost to Cambodia’s thirst for sand
Mongabay Gerry Flynn/ Vutha Srey
No justice for Indigenous community taking on a Cambodian rubber baron
Mongabay Gerry Flynn/ Vutha Srey
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY NEWSROOM, 2017
Reporter’s Notebook: Voices from the Mekong and Tonlé Sap Lake
The Guardian
Cambodia tourism chiefs call for end to Covid-19 healthcare and funeral deposit
The Guardian
One million Cambodians under threat from development of vital wetlands – report
The Guardian
Tate & Lyle accused of betraying Cambodia families whose land was allegedly taken
The Guardian
Thousands of Cambodians go hungry in strict lockdown zones
Sarah Johnson and Vutha Srey
The Guardian
Factory workers making goods for the west bear brunt of virus surge in south-east Asia
Mongabay
Opaque infrastructure project ‘a death sentence’ for Cambodia’s Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary
New Naratif
Cambodia’s At-Risk Construction Workers Raise Families On-Site
https://newnaratif.com/cambodias-at-risk-construction-workers-raise-families-on-site/
Mongabay
Large-scale logging in Cambodia’s Prey Lang linked to politically-connected mining operation
by Gerald Flynn｜Andy Ball｜Vutha Srey on 26 May 2022
Mongabay
Cambodian government cancels development of Phnom Tamao forest amid outcry
Forests in the furnace: Cambodia’s garment sector is fueled by illegal logging
by Gerald Flynn & Andy Ball [Vutha Srey] on 11 July 2023
Mongabay
Mining the Mekong: Land and Livelihoods Lost to Cambodia’s Thirst for Sand
https://pulitzercenter.org/stories/mining-mekong-land-and-livelihoods-lost-cambodias-thirst-sand
Mongabay
Fisheries Crackdown Pushes Cambodians to the Brink on Tonle Sap Lake
https://pulitzercenter.org/stories/fisheries-crackdown-pushes-cambodians-brink-tonle-sap-lake
Mongabay
Cambodian Government Cancels Development of Phnom Tamao Forest Amid Outcry
Mongabay
Island shopping: Cambodian officials buy up the Cardamoms’ coast
https://news.mongabay.com/2022/12/island-shopping-cambodian-officials-buy-up-the-cardamoms-coast/
Mongabay
Cambodia’s Elites Swallow Up Phnom Penh’s Lakes, Leaving the Poor Marooned
https://pulitzercenter.org/stories/cambodias-elites-swallow-phnom-penhs-lakes-leaving-poor-marooned
The Thirdpole
Upstream dams are drowning Cambodia’s protected flooded forest
Words: Marta Kasztelan
Photos: Andy Ball
Additional reporting and translation by Vutha Srey
University of Southampton
Lost lands: Hidden stories of sand mining on the Mekong River
Lost Lands: Mining Mekong - Video
South China Morning Post
https://www.scmp.com/video/scmp-films/3207520/lost-lands-mining-mekong
Business Insider - Video
Sand mining is turning lakes into the luxury real estate
Finnish TV broadcasting - YLE.Fi
Mekong Documentary - Video
https://areena.yle.fi/1-63882628
https://areena.yle.fi/1-63882628?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=areena-ios-share
https://areena.yle.fi/1-63882628?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=areena-ios-share
Forest behind bars: Logging network operating out of Cambodian prison in the Cardamoms
Business Insider - Video
Why Kampot Pepper is So Expensive, So Expensive Food
Mongabay
Forests in the furnace: Cambodia’s garment sector is fueled by illegal logging
SRF - Swiss June 2023
TikTok-Mönche aus Kambodscha mit hunderttausenden Followern
https://www.srf.ch/play/tv/redirect/detail/0596aa1c-da8c-4006-9fcd-d4eb02de8de8
Certain of election victory, Cambodia’s Hun Sen prepares to hand power to son
Rebecca Ratcliffe and Srey Vutha
SRF
Cambodia: Elections without a choice
Prime Minister Hun Sen has been in power in Cambodia for almost 40 years. He wants to stand for re-election on Sunday. The residents have no real alternative – the ruler Hun Sen made sure of that.
https://www.srf.ch/play/tv/-/video/-?urn=urn:srf:video:f9e10bfd-39ee-45dc-99d9-0e019e75d1e1
https://www.arte.tv/fr/videos/116101-000-A/au-cambodge-mirage-democratique-et-virage-autoritaire/
Sie sind jung, die Mehrheit und haben nichts zu sagen
Maria Stöhr und Nicolas Axelrod [Vutha Srey]
The Guardian
Certain of election victory, Cambodia’s Hun Sen prepares to hand power to son
Working with Srey Vutha was a game-changer for our team. Navigating a foreign country for a news segment is always a challenge, but Vutha's meticulous planning and cultural insights allowed us to work efficiently while staying sensitive to local customs. His ability to manage complex logistics and adapt to real-time changes kept our project on track and under budget.” 23 June 2024
"Srey Vutha was an invaluable asset to our production team in Cambodia. Vutha's connections opened doors to key interviewees and sensitive locations, allowing us to tell the story in a way that wouldn't have been possible without their help. Their professionalism, quick thinking, and dedication ensured that we met our tight deadlines without sacrificing quality.” September 27, 2024
Srey Vutha played a pivotal role in the success of our 60 Minutes feature. Vutha's experience in handling sensitive topics and managing high-profile interviews with activists and government officials made all the difference. His ability to navigate bureaucratic hurdles and ensure smooth communication between our crew and local authorities was remarkable.” 14 December 2023
Srey Vutha has worked with Mongabay as a freelance media and film fixer, as well as a translator. Over the course of his collaboration with us, Vutha has consistently demonstrated exceptional professionalism, dedication, and expertise in his work. His deep understanding of environmental and human rights issues, combined with his ability to navigate complex cultural and logistical challenges, has made him an invaluable asset to our projects. Vutha’s meticulous attention to detail and strong communication skills have ensured the success of numerous assignments, including sensitive fieldwork and investigative reporting in Cambodia. 30 September 2024
Srey Vutha worked with The Guardian as a freelance translator and film fixer in Cambodia. Vutha’s expertise in language translation, combined with his deep cultural awareness and professionalism, was instrumental in ensuring the success of our reporting projects in the region. Throughout his time with us, Vutha displayed exceptional linguistic skills and the ability to handle complex and sensitive topics with integrity and discretion. His work was crucial in bridging communication gaps and fostering mutual understanding between international journalists and local stakeholders. 25 June 2023