My documentary portfolio

Overview

  1. Hier en toen – Spioneren voor de Russen
  2. The Rocking Chair
  3. Fremdbestimmt/Dichtgesnoerd
  4. Seen and unknown
  5. Nesthocker

1. Hier en toen – Spioneren voor de Russen (2023)

Here and then – Spying for the Russians (2023)

As a fixer, interviewer, and German-Dutch interpreter, I assisted a team of documentary filmmakers from Canvas – VRT (Belgian television) during the production of their report on Rainer Rupp, the top East German Stasi/HVA spy within NATO. The Berlin segment of the documentary focused on his espionage activities under the codename ‘Topas.’ For this, I interviewed Karl Rehbaum, his former superior, at the Stasi Museum, as well as academic Helmut Müller-Enbergs (Free University of Berlin).

2. The Rocking Chair (2024)

In the heart of Berlin, Russian feminist, anti-war activist, and artist Ekaterina Rikota struggles to rebuild her life after fleeing Moscow. Amidst the shadows of her past, she finds solace in a simple rocking chair – a metaphor for her enduring resilience and quest for peace in Ukraine.

The Rocking Chair was my first documentary film project as a director. I created it in collaboration with Michele Bernabei (camera), Denitsa Ivanova (sound, editing), and Irene Ciraco (color grading, editing) as part of the 2024 international summer school at Berlin’s film school filmArche.

3. Fremdbestimmt/Dichtgesnoerd (2024)

This short documentary film tells the story of my friend Maxime. His teenage years were marked by bullying after a rare knee condition. Years later, he returns to his old school to face his memories.

During the 5-day workshop “Porträt eines Ortes, Porträt eines Protagonisten“, led by the Polish directing duo Elwira Niewiera and Piotr Rosołowski, I created and directed the documentary film “Fremdbestimmt/Dichtgesnoerd”. This short documentary follows my friend Maxime as he confronts his past of being bullied.

4. Seen and Unknown (2024)

‘Seen and unknown’ follows a mobile delivery worker in Berlin, revealing the unseen lives of those delivering food and goods across the city. Through the perspective of one worker, Manuel, we explore their challenges, motivations, and human connections, while asking who they are beyond the uniform. ‘Seen and unknown’ encourages viewers to reconsider how they perceive those who serve them.

In this school set exercise directed by my classmate Kristina Skorobahata, I worked as an editor. I also assisted on set to gain a better understanding of the film project and to develop visual ideas for the editing.

5. Nesthocker (2025)

‘Nesthocker’ explores the contrast between the idealized image of social connection and the hidden struggles of social anxiety and isolation. Set in a shared apartment (WG) in Berlin, it juxtaposes vibrant moments of young people enjoying everyday activities – like sharing breakfast and laughing together – with quiet, atmospheric shots evoking loneliness.

Co-directed by me and fellow student Marlene Wetzel as part of our set exercise at filmArche, this 3-minute short documentary features real testimonials from Reddit, delivered through voice-overs.

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