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

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.

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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.

Education

MA in Anthropology and Audiovisual Ethnography at Tallinn University
January 11, 2030 - December 17, 2025
Erasmus+ exchange at University of Vienna
January 11, 2030 - December 17, 2025
BSc in Biology at University of Tartu
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2017

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services