Personal Story Films · Stir Films · Perth WA

A film to remember.

Bespoke personal documentaries and life story films that honour the people, places and moments you want remembered.


Memory Keeper — Personal Documentary Films in Perth

Personal Story Films

Imagine being able to press play in twenty years and hear your mum tell the story of how she grew up, or wander through your dad’s shed with him again, even after it has changed. That’s what a Memory Keeper film is for.

Memory Keeper by Stir Films is a boutique personal filmmaking service for the stories you want to remember and share — whether it’s your own, or someone you love. I step into your world, explore the places and memories with you, gently guide the conversation, then craft it into a cinematic film to enjoy now and treasure for years to come.

When moments fade, stories remain.

How it works

Conversation

We start with a friendly call or meet-up to learn who the film is for and what you’d love captured.

Filming

Set at your home or a familiar space, we'll explore your world and record a guided conversation. Filmed in 4K.

Editing

Your story is brought together with careful pacing, colour grading, music and sound design.

Delivery

You’ll receive the completed film to view and share, plus an online link. USB or DVD copies can be arranged for family and friends.

Choose Your Film

A Memory Keeper film can be a gift, a legacy, or simply a way to share the stories, passions and worlds that make someone who they are.

The Portrait

5–10 minute personal film

$3,000

Single-session film, Perth-based

A short, cinematic portrait of a person, collection or moment in time — built around a guided conversation and details of their world.

  • 3hr session, with guided conversation (usually around 30–60 minutes) exploring life stories and memories
  • Cinematic shots of your surroundings, objects, photos or collection
  • Edited personal film with colour, sound and music
  • Private online viewing page and digital download
Short form

The Keepsake

Expanded personal film (typically 10-20min) · Half-day session

From $5,000

Tailored quote provided

A longer-form personal story film — expanding the conversation and exploring more places, objects and moments that shape the story.

  • One half-day filming session in your home, workshop or chosen spaces
  • Expanded conversation with space for extra stories and memories
  • Cinematic shots of your surroundings, objects, photos or collection
  • Mix of conversation and natural moments as you move through your world
  • Edited personal film with careful pacing, sound, music and colour
  • Private online viewing page and digital download
  • Optional keepsake USB on request
Popular choice

The Chronicle

Signature documentary piece · Multi-session

From $15,000

Tailored quote provided

A multi-session documentary-style piece — filmed across meaningful places, weaving people, memories and environments into a cinematic film.

  • Multiple filming days across meaningful locations
  • In-depth interviews with you and optional family members
  • Cinematic coverage of everyday moments, objects, archives and collections
  • Edited feature-style personal film, sound-mixed, colour-graded and big-screen ready
  • Private online viewing page and digital download
  • Keepsake USB package
Signature piece

The Life Interview (Recording)

Life Story Interview Recording · $1,000

A simple, guided at-home recording of a loved one sharing their life story.

  • 45–60 minute sit-down conversation
  • A set of prepared questions to explore their life story
  • Beautifully framed in a comfortable at-home setting
  • Captured in 4K with a high-quality microphone
  • Light edit for clarity and flow
  • Delivered privately as a digital recording
Perfect gift

Additional Options

  • Multi-person portraits
  • Archival photos & home video woven in
  • Full conversation recording provided
  • Travel across WA & Australia
  • Custom projects and creative concepts welcome

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.

Crafted by filmmaker Brendan Joel Hildebrandt

Memory Keeper grew from a long love of storytelling and the belief that every story is special. For over 15 years I’ve worked across Western Australia as a director/cinematographer, stepping into people’s homes, sheds, shops and everyday worlds to capture the stories already living there.

My passion is to explore someone’s life and story with genuine curiosity, shaping a film that honours the person at the heart of it.

Studied at WA Screen Academy (Master of Screen Studies). WA Screen Culture Award winner · Silver ACS Cinematography Award winner.

Personal documentary and legacy film in Perth – filmmaker capturing stories in a vintage shop setting

Your story deserves to be remembered.

Let’s start with a simple chat about what you’d like to share.

Prefer to email or call directly?
info@stirfilms.com.au | Brendan - 0433 824 911

Questions and answers

What is a Memory Keeper film?
It’s a personal documentary — filmed gently, in your own space — that captures the stories, passions and moments you want remembered. Each film is crafted with a cinematic, curiosity-led approach.
Who is this for?
People often commission a film for parents, grandparents, a loved one’s life story, a craft or passion, or simply to preserve moments that won’t always be here. It’s suitable for any age and any chapter of life.
What if the person being filmed is camera shy?
Most people feel that way. The session is relaxed, led by gentle conversation rather than performance. No big crew, no pressure — just time to talk in a comfortable space. If someone prefers not to be on camera at all, we can record audio only and pair it with images or quiet footage instead.
How much does a personal documentary cost?
Films start at $3,000 for a short portrait, with fuller Memory Keeper films ranging from $5–8k. Larger commissioned pieces begin from $15k. Every project includes filming, editing, colour grading, sound design, music and a digital download/ private online viewing link.
Do you travel?
Yes. I film across Perth and regional Western Australia, and can travel by arrangement for stories that need me further afield.
How long does the process take?
Portrait films usually take 2–3 weeks. Larger Memory Keeper pieces often take 4–6 weeks depending on the amount of filming and the shape of the story.
Can you include photos, letters or old video?
Yes. I can carefully incorporate photos, letters, albums or home movies to deepen the story. Scanning or preparing this archival material is quoted separately depending on how much you'd like included.
How do we receive the finished film?
You’ll receive a private online viewing link plus a downloadable master file. USB or DVD copies can be arranged for family members who prefer physical formats.
Can I share the film publicly or keep it private?
It’s completely up to you. Some families keep their film private; others share it widely. You choose how public or intimate it should be.
How do we begin?
Just start with a simple chat. You can get in touch through the contact form or email me directly at info@stirfilms.com.au. I’ll guide you through the next steps and help shape a film that feels right for your story.

Serving Perth, Western Australia and regional WA with personal documentary films, life-story interviews and heirloom legacy films.