Memory Keeper by Stir Films

Personal documentary films shaped around stories worth holding onto.

Thoughtful films that preserve a person’s stories, memories and world in their own words.

It begins with a conversation.

So much of a person’s life lives in the stories they tell, the memories they return to, and the little details only they can describe.

Memory Keeper captures those stories through thoughtful filmed conversations and beautifully crafted documentary films made to be shared for generations.

Film Options

How would you like it remembered?

A simple filmed conversation, a crafted life story film, or a deeper personal documentary.

Life Story Recording

A conversation preserved for generations.

A simple, beautifully filmed sit-down conversation, guided by tailored questions and captured with care, so a person’s memories, experiences and reflections can be kept in their own words.

Life Story Film

A crafted film about a life.

A crafted personal film shaped from a filmed conversation, meaningful details, music and additional footage, creating a cinematic portrait of the person and their story.

Personal Documentary

A deeper film about a person, family or world.

A more involved documentary project shaped around a meaningful story — a family history, creative life, collection, place, passion, faith journey, organisation or personal world.

✟ A small number of Christian testimony films are available by donation for those wanting to leave a message of faith for their family.

Dr Russell’s Imaginarium

Broadcast on SBS Australia

The story of a passionate antiques collector who followed his childhood dreams.

Excerpt from the full 28-minute film.

    About the filmmaker
  
    Hi, I’m Brendan.
  
Memory Keeper films are created by award-winning filmmaker Brendan Joel Hildebrandt. With a background in cinematography and documentary storytelling, he brings a thoughtful, curiosity-driven approach to each film, taking time to listen, notice the small details, and craft a story that reflects the person at the heart of it.
  
      “You’re very good at drawing people out.”
    
      Jim, 94 — Life Story Participant

Get in touch

If you have a story in mind, or would like to talk about filming someone you love, please fill in the form below. I’ll get back to you and we can talk about the approach that best suits the story.

Questions and answers
      
          Who is Memory Keeper for?
          
          Memory Keeper is often for families wanting to capture a parent or grandparent’s life story, but it can also be for people with another meaningful story to tell — a creative life, collection, place, passion, family history or personal world.
        
          What is the difference between a Life Story Recording and a Life Story Film?
          
          A Life Story Recording is a beautifully filmed conversation, guided by tailored questions and kept in full. A Life Story Film includes that full recording, then shapes the person’s stories, voice, surroundings and meaningful details into a shorter cinematic documentary portrait.
        
          Does the Life Story Film include the full conversation?
          
  The Life Story Film is shaped from a longer filmed conversation, but the full-length recording is not automatically included. It can be added as an optional extra for families who would also like the complete conversation preserved.
      
          What is the filming like?
          
          Filming is calm, guided and conversational. I take time to help people feel comfortable, ask thoughtful questions, and notice the small details that give the film its feeling. It should never feel rushed, stiff or overly formal.
        
          Can you include photos, letters or old video?
          
          Yes. Photos, letters, albums and home movies can be included where they help tell the story. If there is a lot to scan, organise or restore, I can talk through what is possible and quote that separately if needed.
        
          Do you make Christian testimony films?
          
          Yes. A small number of Christian testimony films are available by donation for people wanting to share their faith, life story or a message for their family. These can be simple and personal, or shaped into a short documentary-style piece.
        
          How do we begin?
          
          Start by sharing a few details in the contact form above, or email me at info@stirfilms.com.au. I’ll reply personally and we can talk about the approach that best suits the story.