Gaëlle Savina | Photographer | Filmmaker | Freediver | Philippines
Gaëlle Savina is a 19 year old French-Filipino photographer and filmmaker based in Bohol, Philippines.
Over the years, Gaëlle has worked with tourism boards, non-profit organizations, as well as local businesses, sharing her love for photography and filmmaking along the way.
Most recently, she has been working on a few video projects including a freediving short film and hopes to write more stories about her freediving experience around the Philippines and educate others about the ocean. Gaëlle hopes that through her projects, she can inspire others to do the same.
“I want to leave a legacy that is not just about me.”
When did you first start your storytelling journey?
I started my storytelling journey at the age of 16 when I started posting my photography online. Years later, I now love telling stories through videos to capture people's attention and emotions.
What are the fondest memories from your upbringing that you feel impacted your life choices and lifestyle today?
I started my storytelling journey at the age of 16 when I started posting my photography online. Years later, I now love telling stories through videos to capture people's attention and emotions.
What path did you choose after leaving school?
I decided to go freelance as a photographer and filmmaker. But I'm also getting licensed as a freediving instructor.
What/who currently inspires you?
I've had the desire to travel since I was a kid and that curiosity is what got me out of my comfort zone. People like Sam Kolder, Emmett Sparling, Nolan Omura, Cha Ocampo, Rachel Moore, Eryn Krouse inspire me on a daily basis.
What are the fondest memories from your upbringing that you feel impacted your life choices and lifestyle today?
I chose not to pursue my studies after high school and started freelancing as a photographer and filmmaker. This choice wasn't easy to make, but it was what I needed for my creative journey.
My love for the ocean grew as I started freediving and scuba diving when I moved to Bohol Island after I graduated. It's made such an impact on my life and I started sharing more stories of my underwater journey on social media.
Are there any books/documentaries that have guided your thinking, and that you'd like to recommend to other ocean lovers?
I learnt a lot from the Netflix documentary "Chasing Coral".
What would you most like to change in the world/environment today?
I hope that companies are going to take accountability for the amount of waste they make, and to find better solutions. I want people to be aware of what's going on with the planet and to change their ways. I hope that more effort will be done to preserve wildlife everywhere.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
I want to make sure that people understand how important it is for everyone to take care of the environment and wildlife that surrounds us. I hope that through my projects, I can inspire others to do the same.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to follow their dreams as an Ocean Storyteller?
I would say to anyone looking to follow their dreams as an Ocean Storyteller, I would tell them to be patient. It takes time, dedication and hard work to reach where you want to go. It's not easy. But if you love what you do, it's worth it in the end.
Tell us about any current stories/campaigns you're working on (or hope to work on). And let us know if you have any questions at this stage.
I want to work on a coral conservation group in Bohol to help restore the marine life lost in the last few years due to global warming and Typhoon Rai in 2021. My friends and I have tried to create it with the local government, but we haven't gotten any luck so far.
INSTAGRAM: @gaellesavina
WEBSITE: www.gaellesavina.com
