Today we’d like to introduce you to Flavia Santia
Hi Flavia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am Flavia, I am 30 years old and I am from Rome. My story begins with “Home Stories,” a tiny, self-made newspaper that I would slide under my parents’ door every Sunday morning. It was a modest publication, filled with tales of significant societal events: the loss of my sister’s tooth, complete with a photo of the tooth itself, or the day our Russian nanny shared the story of the matryoshka dolls were all front-page news. These stories, while trivial of course, were my way of connecting with my parents, keeping them in the loop of everything they missed during their busy days. Even back then, I realized the power of storytelling—the ability to make others feel included in moments they hadn’t witnessed firsthand. This desire to share stories, to make people aware of what’s happening around them and to draw them into something larger, became the driving force of my next life choices.
As I grew older, this passion for storytelling only deepened. I chose to pursue a Master’s degree at the University of British Columbia, in Vancouver, that would allow me to tell stories in every possible way, through any medium, and to the best of my ability. Within the program, I knew I wanted to focus on Advanced Video Reporting and International Reporting. These courses would allow me to enhance my narrative skills through new mediums. While writing has always been my first love, I’ve come to realize that in our rapidly changing world, storytelling has to evolve. The documentary genre, in particular, struck me as a powerful way to narrate stories, combining visual and narrative art to convey deep, impactful messages. At the end of this academic journey, I envisioned myself working on a Final Research Project that would culminate in a video project—a testament to the skills and passions I had developed.
My educational path has been anything but linear. I attended a classical high school here in Rome, where I immersed myself in the humanities. This background gave me ample opportunities to write — whether it was research papers, short essays, or creative pieces. But after high school, I took an unexpected detour into Economics. To this day, I can’t fully explain why I chose it, but I quickly realized that calculating interest rates on abstract financial instruments was not my true calling. I shifted course and enrolled in the Faculty of Political Sciences, a decision that felt like a return to my true self.
Political Science was a perfect fit. It offered a broad-based education where I could dive into a bit of everything—law, international relations, and economics from a wider perspective. Here, I learned to analyze topics holistically, taking into account historical and political contexts, and avoiding the superficial conclusions I might have drawn in the past. This well-rounded approach to understanding the world strengthened my resolve to tell stories that were not only engaging but also deeply informed.
During my time in university, I joined the student newspaper, where I primarily wrote in English and served as the senior editor for the ‘Current Affairs’ section. This experience was incredibly rewarding. I found myself in a stimulating environment filled with talented, like-minded individuals. Even though it was just a college newspaper, I got a real taste of how a newsroom operates, from brainstorming story ideas to meeting tight deadlines.
In addition to the newspaper, I participated in a university project that involved creating and editing a mini news program. We attended conferences, interviewed various people, and collaborated with journalists. The process was challenging, but the sense of accomplishment I felt when we finally completed our ‘baby’ was immense. It was another affirmation that this was the path I was meant to take.
The Master’s program at UBC provided me with the knowledge and skills I needed to become the storyteller I aspired to be. Following such an enriching path, especially in a country I’ve grown to love, was an incredible opportunity. I lived the essence of storytelling—to share, to connect, and to bring people together through the power of words and images.
After years of exploring the profession in Canada, the pull of home was too strong to resist. Rome, with its cobblestone streets, ancient ruins, and timeless charm, called me back. Nostalgia for the city that shaped my childhood and the desire to reconnect with my roots led me back to the Eternal City. Upon my return, I found myself stepping into the world of institutional communication—a decision that marked a significant shift from the multimedia journalism that had fueled my early career. This transition was driven by logistical reasons and opportunities that I was presented with. Yet, despite the shift to a more technical field, the storyteller in me stayed alive, quietly waiting for moments of expression.
The passion for human stories that had always burned within me could not be silenced. In fact, alongside my main job, I found myself continuing to chase the dream of creating valuable content—stories that mattered, that resonated deeply with people, and that perhaps could make a difference. I began to delve into a personal form of journalism, one that embraced the everyday reality of individuals, seeking to peel back the layers and uncover the raw emotions and experiences that defined their lives. For me, perceiving and sharing these emotions was not just a profession but a vital key to understanding the human condition, turning each story into a journey of discovery.
This drive to explore the human experience found a natural outlet in “Souls of Roma,” a project that came from my deep interest in the stories of the people who live in my beloved hometown. Partnering with my friend and colleague Emanuele Michelangeli, we set out to capture the essence of Rome through the eyes of its inhabitants. From the merchant whose family has called Rome home for generations to those who have journeyed to the city in pursuit of dreams, we sought to uncover the intimate and personal stories that define the city’s character. Rome, with its ancient mysteries and timeless beauty, is revered worldwide, but our goal was to move beyond the iconic image and delve into the daily lives of its people—the real heartbeat of the city.
The response to “Souls of Roma” has been incredibly positive, with many praising the project for shedding light on the lesser-known aspects of Rome. The feedback has encouraged us to expand the project, exploring even more stories and enhancing the visual narrative to capture the city’s diverse and vibrant life. This positive reception has affirmed the need and desire for a more human-centric form of journalism, one that is rooted in reality and close to the people. With renewed enthusiasm and commitment, we continue to work on “Souls of Roma,” determined to make it more than just a collection of stories, but rather a true window into the soul of Rome.
As we move forward, “Souls of Roma” has become a platform not only for documenting the lives of Romans but also for celebrating the diversity and richness that each individual brings to the city. It is through their stories that we see Rome not just as an ancient relic but as a living, breathing entity that is constantly evolving. The project has become a testament to the idea that a city is more than its monuments; it is the people who give it life and meaning. In capturing these stories, we contribute to preserving the present and shaping the future of one of the world’s most historic cities.
Returning to Rome has brought my journey full circle, allowing me to blend my professional expertise in communication with my lifelong passion for storytelling. “Souls of Roma” is the embodiment of this fusion. Through this work, I hope to continue exploring and celebrating the stories that define us, turning each narrative into an exciting journey of discovery, much like the ones I embarked on as a child with my “Home Stories.”
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The path to where I am now hasn’t been completely smooth. I had to deal with my shyness and the fear of making mistakes, especially since my work is all about creativity and making personal choices. In the beginning, I was really worried about being judged or messing up, which made it hard to fully dive into the creative process.
I had to push myself to get over these fears and build up my confidence. It wasn’t easy, but with time, I learned that making mistakes is just part of the process. Each challenge taught me something new and helped me grow both personally and professionally. So while it wasn’t a perfect journey, it’s been really rewarding and has made me more confident in my work.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work revolves around storytelling through various mediums, with a strong focus on documentary filmmaking and human-centered narratives. My journey into this field began with a childhood project called “Home Stories,” where I created a homemade newspaper to share family moments with my busy parents. This early experience highlighted for me the power of storytelling to connect and include others in experiences they hadn’t personally witnessed.
I specialize in creating compelling stories that capture the essence of individuals and their environments. I hold a Master’s degree from the University of British Columbia, where I concentrated on Advanced Video Reporting and International Reporting. This academic background equipped me with the skills to blend visual and narrative arts effectively, particularly in documentary filmmaking.
My career path includes hands-on experience with a student newspaper and a mini news program project during my university years, which solidified my commitment to storytelling. After working in multimedia journalism in Canada, I returned to Rome and shifted to institutional communication. Despite this change, my passion for storytelling remained strong.
What I’m most proud of is “Souls of Roma,” a project I developed with Emanuele Michelangeli. This initiative dives deep into the lives of Rome’s residents, revealing the city’s true character beyond its iconic landmarks. The project has been praised for its authentic portrayal of Rome’s diverse experiences and has become a significant platform for celebrating the city’s rich human stories.
What sets me apart is my dedication to merging communication skills with a profound passion for human stories. I strive to turn each narrative into a journey of discovery. My goal is to continually explore and share stories that resonate deeply and provide genuine insights into the human experience.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a significant period of reflection for me, offering valuable lessons about myself and the world we live in. It has provided me with a deeper understanding of my own needs, helped me identify what and who is truly meaningful, and taught me the importance of self-care.
Additionally, the extended time at home has given me the opportunity to read extensively, one of my favourite activities. Reading allows you to engage with a wide range of literature and enriches the understanding of the human emotional spectrum, enhancing the ability to empathize with others and gain insight into their experiences.
Moreover, this period has highlighted how much time we often waste on superficial matters. It has shown me the value of investing our time and energy into more meaningful and substantial pursuits. Overall, the pandemic has been a powerful reminder to focus on what genuinely enriches our lives and to cultivate deeper connections and self-awareness.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.soulsofroma.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulsofroma/?hl=it
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/flavia-santia-509bb1109/
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@soulsofroma
