SOULFUL STORYTELLERS
documentary storytelling for birth and family filmmakers
A creative community for photographers and filmmakers drawn to documentary storytelling, immersive keepsake films and long-term creative growth.
the soulful storytellers approach
Rooted in documentary filmmaking and shaped through real-world birth work, Soulful Storytellers supports creatives stepping into film and those refining their storytelling craft.
At the heart of Soulful Storytellers is the Signature apprenticeship, a complete birth videography apprenticeship combining structured learning, storytelling project development, mentorship and community.
YOU’ll FEEL AT HOME HERE IF
You are drawn to documentary storytelling and meaningful human connection
You want to create films that feel intentional, emotive and deeply personal
You value mentorship, reflection and thoughtful creative growth
You believe storytelling skills are developed through practice and experience
You are committed to building a sustainable creative practice over time
Meaningful storytelling develops through inspiration, learning, practice, and reflection — a journey that unfolds over time.
the soulful storytellers ecosystem
Every storyteller arrives at filmmaking from a different place in their creative journey.
Our storytelling pathways meet you there.
Still from the award-winning birth film The Birth of Finn
learning from working storytellers
Soulful Storytellers was founded by documentary filmmakers Dania and Andrew, whose work has been shaped by years spent documenting birth, family and everyday life through film.
Over the past decade they have helped pioneer filmmaking within the birth space, creating documentary birth films for families while advocating for thoughtful, story-driven approaches to birth videography.
Soulful Storytellers grew from a desire to share that experience with other filmmakers. It brings together their background in documentary filmmaking, real-world birth work and a commitment to supporting storytellers as they develop both their craft and creative voice.
continue the journey inside soulful studio
Real creative growth rarely happens in isolation
Soulful Studio is our mentorship-supported community where storytellers continue refining their craft through feedback conversations, creative connection and shared milestones. It is a place to stay connected, share ideas and continue growing alongside a global community of filmmakers committed to meaningful storytelling.
mentorship for storytellers
For filmmakers seeking deeper guidance, private mentorship offers space for focused feedback, project critique and thoughtful creative conversation.
Whether refining a film, navigating a creative challenge or seeking clarity on your next steps, mentorship provides personalised support tailored to your unique journey.
what others are saying…
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Jenn Storey
Dania & Andrew are incredible at teaching videography by making it simple and easy to understand. I never thought I could produce a beautiful high quality video but they held my hand every step of the way and were a blast to work with.
Documentary Filmmaking Student 2013
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Chris DeSouza
“Dania and Andrew not only have the spark and passion needed to launch unique and ambitious projects - they also have the skill and tenacity to get it done and exceed expectations every time. As an audio specialist, when I’m handed one of their projects for mix I’m consistently blown away and charmed by their work. Not to mention they make my work very easy.”
Sound Engineer
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Richa Wardroper
“Dania has the most radiant energy and I instantly felt a special connection with her. She was able to capture some very raw moments before we went into the surgery room and moments of my husband—his nerves, his way of dealing with what was coming ahead, ooh it was just beautiful.”
Lauren + Douglas — Birth Client
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Ebony Allen-Ankins
Dania and Andrew are incredibly knowledgeable, creative, and giving of their time and energy. They don't hold anything back, and genuinely want you to succeed. The real diamond is in the editing - Dania is an incredibly skilful storyteller and watching her create in real time, and work with footage that was captured in challenging, unpredictable low-light settings was completely eye opening. I can't say enough good things. If you're thinking about elevating your films to story-driven art - this is the course for you.
SSBV Beta Student 2023
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Hannah Palamara
“The Soulful Storytellers for Birth Videographers beta course has been everything I had hoped for and more! I knew I wanted to delve deeper into filmmaking with my somewhat limited videography skills. Seeing Dania’s films always gave me the chills and made me want to create films like that! The course has been so immersive and so full. I am excited to start putting my new skills to the test and to continue my learning as I go through the modules again and dive into film making with a completely new perspective. Thank you so much guys for this experience.”
SSBV Beta Student 2023
recognised documentary filmmakers
Soulful Storytellers Distinctions celebrate filmmakers within our storytelling community whose work reflects artistic development, thoughtful craftsmanship and a deep commitment to documentary storytelling.
a journey, not a race
There’s no expectation to move quickly.
No pressure to keep up.
No single definition of success.
Whether you're creating your first film or refining your voice as a documentary storyteller, we're here to support your growth at a pace that works for your life and creative practice.
If you're unsure where to begin, you're welcome to join our VIP list or book a free Storytellers Discovery Session.
community screening
We’re excited to announce that we’ll be hosting a private early-screening of the documentary ‘Allowed to Birth - The Journey of a Global Midwife’.
Directed and filmed by Jacinta Lagos — this award-winning film explores birth through the eyes of global midwife Kristine Lauria.
It’s also a film that beautifully reflects many of the filmmaking approaches and storytelling principles we value deeply inside this community.
This screening will be during the first week of September and will be open to all members of the Soulful Storytellers community.
With the film’s premiere screening on 29 August already sold out, this gathering offers our community a rare opportunity to experience the documentary ahead of wider public screenings later in the year.
Particularly for our international members this is a unique chance to view the film with like-minded birth storytellers from wherever you are in the world.
VIPs will have an opportunity join in on the action too, with limited seats reserved for VIPs who RSVP before Wed 19, August AEST!
