We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Hélène Goupil. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Hélène below.

Hélène, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?

Honestly, I don’t think I’d do anything differently. As a freelancer, every new project is a fresh start, a chance to learn and adapt. That constant evolution is what I love about my work and having gone through experiences, obstacles, and mistakes along the way influences the way I keep going.

When I was in journalism school, I was taught that great photographers don’t just get lucky—they position themselves at the right place, at the right time. When you see a striking image, you’re not thinking about the patience, the trial and error, or the countless adjustments the photographer made to get that perfect shot. That same principle applies to a career. We often focus on results but overlook the persistence, learning, and pivots that lead to them.

My journey started more than 20 years ago in Japan, where I wrote my first article. That led to launching an online magazine, which opened the door to co-writing San Francisco: The Unknown City. That book led to an editorial role at a magazine, and thanks to a mentor I’m still so grateful for today, I went on to earn a master’s degree in journalism at U.C. Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism—where I discovered my love for visual storytelling.

Since then, I’ve covered breaking news and feature stories as an online editor at Yahoo and other local outlets. I’ve made short documentaries and I also edited feature films. Every experience along the way has shaped how I approach storytelling. I’m a curious person who loves meeting people and figuring out the best way to tell their stories. And I’m still learning every day and I love it.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a French-American journalist, filmmaker, and editor who specializes in documentaries and branded films. My passion lies in telling meaningful, visually compelling stories—whether through investigative journalism, intimate documentaries, or branded films that help companies connect with their audiences.

I started my career as a print journalist, writing for magazines and news organizations. I later co-authored San Francisco: The Unknown City, a deep dive into the lesser-known histories of the city. I became increasingly drawn to visual storytelling, recognizing the power of film to capture personal narratives that illuminate larger societal issues. This led me to earn a master’s degree in multimedia journalism from U.C. Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism and dive into documentary filmmaking.

My documentaries focus on deeply personal yet universally relevant themes. THE SEED, which follows San Francisco’s “Flower Man” over 10 years, won the Grand Jury Award for Best Short Documentary at the United Nations Association Film Festival and the grand prize at the San Francisco Independent Short Film Festival. THE MISSION captures a longtime community activist’s response to the COVID-19 crisis.

Beyond journalism and documentary work, I create brand films for entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and companies. My approach is rooted in authenticity—I apply the same documentary sensibility to commercial storytelling, helping brands communicate their values and impact in an emotionally resonant way. Whether it’s a startup looking to introduce its vision, a nonprofit showcasing its community work, or an established company wanting to highlight its people and culture, I craft films that go beyond marketing to create a genuine connection with audiences.

What sets me apart is my ability to blend journalistic depth with a cinematic storytelling approach. I don’t just document moments; I uncover the heart of a story, ensuring that every film—whether journalistic or commercial—feels engaging, intimate, and meaningful.

I’m most proud of the stories I’ve told that have sparked conversations, shifted perspectives, or amplified voices that might not otherwise be heard. For example, a screening of THE SEED prompted the City of San Francisco to recognize the importance of my film’s subject as a community member. Whether it’s through a documentary that sheds light on social issues or a branded film that helps a company share its mission, my goal is always to create work that resonates.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is to tell stories that make people feel something—to help them see themselves in someone else’s experience. Whether it’s a documentary or a branded film, I want to capture the essence of a person and their unique story.

We move through life so quickly that we often stop noticing the beauty in our routines, our environments, and even ourselves. When I film, I make it a point to slow down and absorb every detail—the light in the room, the way someone moves, the small but telling moments that reveal who they are.

I think of filmmaking like assembling a puzzle. No two pieces are the same, and the magic is in discovering what makes each one special. My job is to find the right angles, the right moments, and bring them together to reveal something meaningful.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Sometimes, the hardest thing is simply to keep going—to push forward even when you feel like nothing is going your way.

When I was submitting my first short documentary to film festivals, I received a flood of rejections. Each automated email felt like a dismissal of all the time, effort, and passion I had poured into my film. It was disheartening.

But then my son gave me a piece of wisdom I still carry with me today. He said, “All you need is one yes.”

And he was right. I got one yes, then another, and then another. Now, whenever I feel discouraged, I remind myself of that lesson. One yes can change everything.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.helenegoupil.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helene_goupil
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helene-goupil/

Image Credits

Image of me and Guy Clark from The Seed (credit: Josh Krist)
Portrait of me (credit: Julie Michel)