Looks like you have JavaScript disabled. For the full Twine experience, you will need to re-enable it.

Helen is a filmmaker from Tallinn, Estonia, currently based in Vienna, Austria. She holds degrees in biology and audiovisual anthropology. With experience in documentaries, audiovisual ethnographies, music videos, marketing content, and interdisciplinary projects, she has developed expertise as an editor, cinematographer, colourist, director, and producer. Helen is deeply attuned to storytelling, with a focus on intimate, character-driven narratives. She brings a sensitive, cinematic editorial approach, emphasizing pacing and rhythm. Comfortable working both collaboratively and independently, she ensures technical and artistic quality in every project.…Helen is a filmmaker from Tallinn, Estonia, currently based in Vienna, Austria. She holds degrees in biology and audiovisual anthropology. With experience in documentaries, audiovisual ethnographies, music videos, marketing content, and interdisciplinary projects, she has developed expertise as an editor, cinematographer, colourist, director, and producer. Helen is deeply attuned to storytelling, with a focus on intimate, character-driven narratives. She brings a sensitive, cinematic editorial approach, emphasizing pacing and rhythm. Comfortable working both collaboratively and independently, she ensures technical and artistic quality in every project.

Helen Vaaks

Filmmaker, Cinematographer, Director of Photography, +2





Helen is a filmmaker from Tallinn, Estonia, currently based in Vienna, Austria. She holds degrees in biology and audiovisual anthropology. With experience in documentaries, audiovisual ethnographies, music videos, marketing content, and interdisciplinary projects, she has developed expertise as an editor, cinematographer, colourist, director, and producer. Helen is deeply attuned to storytelling, with a focus on intimate, character-driven narratives. She brings a sensitive, cinematic editorial approach, emphasizing pacing and rhythm. Comfortable working both collaboratively and independently, she ensures technical and artistic quality in every project.…Helen is a filmmaker from Tallinn, Estonia, currently based in Vienna, Austria. She holds degrees in biology and audiovisual anthropology. With experience in documentaries, audiovisual ethnographies, music videos, marketing content, and interdisciplinary projects, she has developed expertise as an editor, cinematographer, colourist, director, and producer. Helen is deeply attuned to storytelling, with a focus on intimate, character-driven narratives. She brings a sensitive, cinematic editorial approach, emphasizing pacing and rhythm. Comfortable working both collaboratively and independently, she ensures technical and artistic quality in every project.

Available to hire

Helen is a filmmaker from Tallinn, Estonia, currently based in Vienna, Austria. She holds degrees in biology and audiovisual anthropology. With experience in documentaries, audiovisual ethnographies, music videos, marketing content, and interdisciplinary projects, she has developed expertise as an editor, cinematographer, colourist, director, and producer. Helen is deeply attuned to storytelling, with a focus on intimate, character-driven narratives. She brings a sensitive, cinematic editorial approach, emphasizing pacing and rhythm. Comfortable working both collaboratively and independently, she ensures technical and artistic quality in every project.

Language

English

Advanced

Estonian

Fluent

German

Advanced

French

Beginner

Russian

Beginner

Work Experience

Visual Ethnographer and Filmmaker at University of Vienna

January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2024

Film Editor & Project Lead in a transdisciplinary mobility project, highlighting migrant narratives, managing full production.

Assistant Director & Cinematographer at University of Vienna

January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2024

Researching and filming “care” in Austrian landscapes while coordinating production.

Estonian Language Teacher (Freelance) at Self-employed

January 1, 2021 - Present

Conduct weekly personalized online lessons, develop tailored learning plans and engaging teaching methods, promote intercultural skills.

Social Media Manager at Wiener Würstelstand

January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2023

Created platform-specific video content to grow reach and engagement, filmed and edited aligned with brand voice, and tracked performance to optimize results.

Intern at University of Vienna

January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2022

Filmed and edited a short documentary on women in cycling, highlighting empowerment, mobility, and migrant experiences.