Elena's childhood in a small Canadian town was shaped by her Dad's incredible animal stories from his job at the zoo, sparking a bright curiousity for the world within her.

 

She studied engineering at Queen’s University from 2012-2017. She's a 2015 Cansbridge Fellow, and founder of multiple impact-focused organizations and businesses, including "One Species" (2016-19; dedicated to fighting extinction). This work introduced her to both documentary filmmaking and wildlife conservation efforts globally, and ultimately led her to the Pacific Northwest to learn more about endangered orcas.

 

In 2018, Elena worked for SeaLegacy. In 2019, she worked as a cinematographer, storyteller and editor for Milkywire, capturing the work of wildlife conservationists in Africa. Since then, Elena's continued to work on primarily natural history and documentary shoots.

 

Her directorial debut, COEXTINCTION premiered at Jackson Wild 2021, where it won the "Our Human Planet" category. The film has since screened at globally, and received numerous awards including the "Rob Stewart Eco Warrior Award" and "People's Choice." COEXTINCTION is now in distribution with Blue Ant International.

Elena has a love for field productions and has worked in numerous environments as a cinematographer with RED, Sony and Blackmagic cameras. She's also worked as a director, presenter, writer, producer and editor. She's grateful to have had the opportunity to share her passions a filmmaker, adventurer and conservationist on the news, podcasts and at various events.

 

Currently, while freelancing, she's excited to be working on her next independent and collaborative projects.