Water Buffalo Pictures is the evolution of independent, collaborative filmmaking. Based in San Francisco, WBP is production company focusing in feature-length narrative motion pictures and documentaries. Our vision is to create a global independent film company. Our reality is to make films that are powerful, artful, and effective worldwide.
ABOUT WATER BUFFALO…
Relied upon by billions of people for survival, the water buffalo is a universal symbol of sustenance, interdependence, and hard work. As an international group of film and video professionals, we chose this symbol to represent our passion for filmmaking, our work ethic, and the interdependent nature of the creative process.
THE TEAM
DARON KER
Founder-CEO | Producer-Director
Born in Cambodia during the “Killing Fields” era of tyranny and violence, one of his earliest childhood memories is seeing Stanley Kubrick’s epic “Spartacus” projected onto a sheet in an internment camp. Soon after, Ker and his family immigrated to the United States, where Daron began to slowly realize that his destiny was to tell great stories on screen.
After graduating from film school with a BFA at The Academy of Art University in 2002, Ker has made two impressive feature films that illustrate culture clash in unexpected, poignant, and surprising places. “Rice Field of Dreams” follows Cambodian refugee Joe Cook, who escaped the Khmer Rouge and eventually became a chef in an Alabama restaurant, as Cook returns to Cambodia to form the nation’s first competitive international baseball team. “I Ride” remains stateside as Ker’s camera focuses on the Fryed Brothers Band, the best rock band you’ve never heard of, as they travel the roads of America playing concerts for motorcycle clubs, recalling old stories and creating new legends along the way. Filmed with sensitivity and an outsider’s keen eye for detail, both films mark Ker as a young filmmaker to watch.
Driven to vitalize his native land’s film industry, Ker is committed to representing the Cambodian culture on film, but also considers himself a storyteller with universal appeal. “I gravitate towards stories that speak to more than one audience,” Ker says, “and that’s what I think makes my films unique.” Having traveled over 8200 miles and back again to find his own style, Ker is poised to tell powerful stories that otherwise might remain untold.
KENNETH KER
Partner | Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Ker has over 40 years of financial experience. Prior to coming to America, Mr. Ker’s family resides in Battambong where he accepts a job as a Branch Manager at a local bank. Mr. Ker was in charge of strategic and financial operations analysis, and worked on many private and public transactions including an IPO. Throughout his career, Mr. Ker has been involved in a variety of financial transactions including private placements, initial public offerings, mergers and acquisitions. Kenneth held a BS degree in Accounting & Finance from the University of Phnom Penh.
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