Carlos and Victoria together in their garden
Sydney · Family storytelling films

A life told in theirown words.

Cinematic family films preserving the stories, memories and voices that make someone who they are.

The stories close to home

Every family has stories
worth keeping.

The street they grew up on. The person who changed everything. The story that still makes everyone laugh. We create films around these memories — and the voice, expressions and personality of the person telling them.

A film can celebrate a milestone, bring generations together, or simply make time for the stories you’ve always wanted to hear.

Films & packages

Sonya
Sonya

In loving memory of Sonya.

Watch a preview
01 / The portrait film

Portrait

Their stories, in their own words.

A thoughtfully edited interview film preserving their memories, personality and voice. Simple question titles guide the conversations, with selected photographs and filmed moments woven in naturally.

$1,990AUD

  • Half-day filming at home
  • Interviews with up to 2 people
  • One film: a 30–60-minute interview film
  • 5 edited portrait photographs
Enquire about Portrait
Paul & Maria
Paul & MariaWatch a preview
02 / Signature experience

Storytelling

Their memories preserved. Their story brought together.

Alongside the extended interviews, a shorter cinematic film brings their memories to life through family photographs, music and scenes we film together—familiar routines, treasured objects and moments with loved ones.

$3,790AUD

  • One full day of filming at home
  • Interviews with up to 4 people
  • Two films:
    • A 60–90-minute interview film
    • A 5–15-minute storytelling film
  • 10 edited portrait photographs
Enquire about Storytelling
Carlos & Victoria
Carlos & Victoria

In loving memory of Carlos.

Watch a preview
03 / The extended family documentary

Life Celebration

A wider family story, with room for more voices.

Across two filming visits, we capture more voices, relationships and scenes from everyday life, with time to explore meaningful places. Extended interviews and a longer cinematic film bring these stories together into a fuller family portrait.

$5,990AUD

  • Two filming days · two home visits
  • Interviews with up to 6 people
  • Two films:
    • An approximately 2-hour interview film
    • A 10–25-minute storytelling film
  • 25 edited portrait photographs
Enquire about Life Celebration
The experience

A conversation.
A connection. A film.

01

Talk.

A relaxed, no-obligation conversation about the person, the stories and what you have in mind.

02

Shape the story.

Together, we gather photographs, choose locations and prepare thoughtful questions around their life.

03

Film.

A comfortable setting, time to settle in and a conversation at their pace. No scripts to memorise.

04

Craft & preserve.

JC shapes the recorded material into your finished film or films. You see a first draft, with two rounds of revisions before final approval.

From the families

Their films.
Their experience.

Hear from Paul, Ross and Marie Ange. Choose a video below.

Meet your filmmaker

It started with
my own family.

Living in Sydney, with my grandparents back in Toulouse, I realised how many of their stories I only knew in pieces. So I returned home with a camera and made time to listen.

What began as a personal project became something our whole family could share. It also became the starting point for Life Portrait Films.

You work directly with me, from our first conversation through to filming and the edit.

JC AntunesFilmmaker & Founder
Behind the scenes of a Life Portrait Films interview at home
Behind the scenes · A conversation at home
A few things to know

Your questions,
answered.

Who can the film be about?

Yourself, a loved one or your wider family. You don’t need a special occasion—just stories you’d like to preserve. Packages include interviews with up to 2, 4 or 6 people, and we can discuss additional voices in a custom quote.

What if we’re not comfortable on camera?

We make time to settle in and keep things conversational. There’s nothing to memorise or perform, and we can pause whenever you need a break. The visit includes setup, conversations, photographs and filming everyday moments—nobody needs to talk continuously. Your quote confirms the time allowance.

How do we prepare?

JC helps shape thoughtful questions around your life and the stories that matter to you, and films with an assistant so there is time and support for everyone. Photographs, objects and home videos can be useful starting points. We’ll discuss what to include, any permissions or conversion work needed, and any topics you would prefer to keep private.

Where do you film, and can we customise a package?

Usually at home or somewhere meaningful and comfortable. We can tailor the number of people, filming time, locations and film lengths to your family. Film lengths depend on the conversations and story; we agree the scope in your quote. For filming outside Sydney, travel and any additional costs are agreed in your quote.

How long does editing take, and can we request changes?

Usually within one month of filming, once we have the photographs and other material needed for the edit. You see a first draft and have two rounds of revisions before final approval. We agree the delivery date in your quote, allowing time for feedback.

How do booking and payment work?

We start with a relaxed, no-obligation conversation. Once you approve your quote and terms in writing, a 50% deposit secures the booking. The balance is payable before release of the approved final files; your invoice confirms the payment details.

How will we watch and share our films?

You receive digital files and a personalised USB, so you can keep copies and share privately with family and friends. We confirm file formats and sharing permissions in your quote. If you want to post your film online, tell us beforehand so we can check music and other licensing requirements.

Will our film be kept private?

Yes. Permission to make your family film is separate from permission to use it for promotion. We only use identifiable footage, photographs or testimonials on our website, social media or in our portfolio with your separate, specific written permission. Declining promotional use does not affect your booking.

Start a conversation

Whose story
would you like
to preserve?

You don’t need to know exactly what the film should look like yet. Tell us a little about yourself or the person you have in mind and we’ll help you work out the rest.

Your name, email and message are required.

No commitment. Just a conversation.
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