Hi, I'm Heleen Steenssens, a Belgian freelance journalist and documentary filmmaker based in Antwerp. I combine rigorous investigative reporting with visual storytelling, tackling topics from conflict and politics to education and refugee experiences. I hold a postgraduate in International Investigative Journalism and have a track record producing self-initiated projects for broadcasters, turning complex issues into accessible stories that resonate with diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, I coordinate cross-border collaborations and manage content projects with newcomers through initiatives like Door een andere lens. I’ve worked with Scum Studios, Hart voor leren, Café Cliché and Grensverleggend. I speak Dutch and English fluently with intermediate French and beginner Spanish, and I enjoy collaborating with communities on the ground to give voice to underrepresented perspectives.

Heleen Steenssens

Hi, I'm Heleen Steenssens, a Belgian freelance journalist and documentary filmmaker based in Antwerp. I combine rigorous investigative reporting with visual storytelling, tackling topics from conflict and politics to education and refugee experiences. I hold a postgraduate in International Investigative Journalism and have a track record producing self-initiated projects for broadcasters, turning complex issues into accessible stories that resonate with diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, I coordinate cross-border collaborations and manage content projects with newcomers through initiatives like Door een andere lens. I’ve worked with Scum Studios, Hart voor leren, Café Cliché and Grensverleggend. I speak Dutch and English fluently with intermediate French and beginner Spanish, and I enjoy collaborating with communities on the ground to give voice to underrepresented perspectives.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Heleen Steenssens, a Belgian freelance journalist and documentary filmmaker based in Antwerp. I combine rigorous investigative reporting with visual storytelling, tackling topics from conflict and politics to education and refugee experiences. I hold a postgraduate in International Investigative Journalism and have a track record producing self-initiated projects for broadcasters, turning complex issues into accessible stories that resonate with diverse audiences.

Beyond reporting, I coordinate cross-border collaborations and manage content projects with newcomers through initiatives like Door een andere lens. I’ve worked with Scum Studios, Hart voor leren, Café Cliché and Grensverleggend. I speak Dutch and English fluently with intermediate French and beginner Spanish, and I enjoy collaborating with communities on the ground to give voice to underrepresented perspectives.

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Experience Level

Intermediate

Language

Dutch
Fluent
English
Fluent
French
Advanced
Spanish; Castilian
Beginner

Work Experience

Freelance Journalist
August 1, 2025 - Present
Project Officer at Scum Studios
January 1, 2023 - July 1, 2025
Between Flags VRT – self-produced (documentary on the conflict in Cyprus)
Freelance Journalist at Between Flags VRT
August 1, 2025 - Present
Self-produced documentary project for VRT; freelance journalism involving research, writing, filming and editing, with a focus on current affairs and documentary storytelling.
Freelance Journalist at Self-employed
August 1, 2025 - Present
Freelance journalist; includes work on documentary projects such as a self-produced piece for VRT (Between Flags) and various reportage assignments.

Education

Postgraduate at Thomas More, Mechelen
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2025
Advanced Master at University of Antwerp
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2021
Master at University of Antwerp
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2020
Bachelor at University of Antwerp
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2019
Secondary Education (Latin – Modern Languages) at College van het Eucharistisch Hart, Essen
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2014
Postgraduate in International Investigative Journalism (distinction) at Thomas More, Mechelen
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2025
Advanced Master in Governance & Development (distinction) at University of Antwerp
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2021
Master in International Relations & Diplomacy (distinction) at University of Antwerp
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2020
Bachelor in Political Science (distinction) at University of Antwerp
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2019
Secondary Education (Latin – Modern Languages) at College van het Eucharistisch Hart, Essen
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2014
Postgraduate in International Investigative Journalism at Thomas More, Mechelen
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2025
Advanced Master in Governance & Development at University of Antwerp
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2021
Master in International Relations & Diplomacy at University of Antwerp
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2020
Bachelor in Political Science at University of Antwerp
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2019
Secondary Education (Latin – Modern Languages) at College van het Eucharistisch Hart, Essen
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2014
Postgraduate in International Investigative Journalism at Thomas More, Mechelen
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2025
Advanced Master in Governance & Development at University of Antwerp
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2021
Master in International Relations & Diplomacy at University of Antwerp
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2020
Bachelor in Political Science at University of Antwerp
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2019
Secondary Education (Latin – Modern Languages) at College van het Eucharistisch Hart, Essen
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2014

Qualifications

Postgraduate in International Investigative Journalism (distinction)
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2025
Advanced Master in Governance & Development (distinction)
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2021
Master in International Relations & Diplomacy (distinction)
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2020
Bachelor in Political Science (distinction)
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2019
Secondary Education (Latin – Modern Languages)
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2014

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services, Telecommunications