Shaina Koren

One year ago today, we said goodbye to the remarkable Geniel Fife. I can still see her backstage at her 90th birthday film premiere, whispering 'I'm trying to dance and I can barely walk.' Then, despite battling cancer, she stepped into the spotlight and danced her heart out for her family. That was Geniel - defying expectations, choosing joy, and leaving us with moments we'll never forget. Through the legacy films we created together, her wisdom, laughter, and incredible spirit live on. Her great-grandchildren will hear her voice tell stories of resilience and love. They'll see her dance at 90. They'll know the power of living life fully, just as she did. 'You made me famous,' she told me in our final months together. Geniel - you showed us all how to live with grace, courage, and an open heart. Thank you for letting us tell your story. ❤️ If you knew her, please share a memory of Geniel in the comments below. #RememberingGeniel #LegacyOfLove" Video description in comments.

You know that feeling when one dream comes true, and suddenly your heart starts whispering 'what's next?' That's where I am now. Making documentaries that truly honor people's stories has shown me something important – when we slow down and really listen, every story has the power to create change. Not just for the audience, but for everyone involved in telling it. Here's to dreaming bigger and creating films that lift us all up along the way. #Dream #documentarian #filmdirector #filmmaker #storytelling #yourstorymatters Video Description: The video starts with a reflection of Shaina, in the glass window of a vehicle, while she is recording on set. The video transitions to a recent project, where for a scene she is filming a family in a vehicle while they are driving. There are a variety of clips from past projects, including some scenes of Shaina speaking to her clients. The video transitions to Shaina speaking directly to the camera.

You know that feeling when one dream comes true, and suddenly your heart starts whispering 'what's next?' That's where I am now. Making documentaries that truly honor people's stories has shown me something important – when we slow down and really listen, every story has the power to create change. Not just for the audience, but for everyone involved in telling it. Here's to dreaming bigger and creating films that lift us all up along the way. #Dream #documentarian #filmdirector #filmmaker #storytelling #yourstorymatters Video Description: The video starts with a reflection of Shaina, in the glass window of a vehicle, while she is recording on set. The video transitions to a recent project, where for a scene she is filming a family in a vehicle while they are driving. There are a variety of clips from past projects, including some scenes of Shaina speaking to her clients. The video transitions to Shaina speaking directly to the camera.

Do you know the power of your own story? Each chapter of our journey teaches us lessons We cannot always see it in the moment. #FilmDirector #Storytelling #MoviesThatMatter #StoryMatters Video Description: Shaina shared clips from high school all the way through present representing her growth as a film director

The best part of documentary film making? When someone feels safe enough to share what really matters to them. Not the polished pitch or the highlight reel – but the real story that lights them up from the inside. Your work and wisdom deserve to be captured with that same care and depth. Ready to create something meaningful together? #filmdirector #storytelling #interview #documentary Video Description: The video opens with Shaina sitting in a chair with black headphone on and looking down at a paper, which pans to a view of her notebook. Shaina is then seen in an interview, wearing a sleeveless black shirt. There is a variety of clips showing her working on her laptop in various locations. There are clips of Shaina interviewing past clients on different projects

Last year, I had the incredible opportunity to dive into the ice bath alongside Wim Hof. This wasn't just about enduring the cold; it was about embracing a method that harnesses the power of the mind and body. Learning from Wim, the master of the cold himself. Would you ever do an ice bath? #IceBatch #WimHof #filmdirector #filmmaker #documentarian #storytelling Video Description: Video opens with a view of vibrantly green palm leaves with the sun shining behind them. Video clips of Shaina filming with a self POV is mixed with behind the scenes clips of the ice bath experience. There is a clip of Wim Hof speaking into a microphone, standing on the outer end of a blue pool filled with ice and water. Shaina is seen participating in the ice bath and celebrating with friends after completing the challenge.

The most powerful moments in my work? When someone says 'Why would anyone make a film about me?' and their family's eyes light up with stories to tell. Your ordinary might be someone else's extraordinary. Who in your life deserves to have their story preserved? ✨ #StoriesMatter #documentarian #filmdirector #storytelling #heirloomfilm #documentaryfilmmaker Video Description: The video is a compilation of Shaina as a child, in family archive footage and Shaina speaking directly to the camera during an interview. The video has white font captions across the entirety of the video.

Bringing joy to every moment on set is THE secret ingredient. From the stunning valleys that backdrop our shoots to the laughter-filled days with my team and clients, every film we create is infused with joy. It's not just about the meticulous hours of preparation or the long days on set; it's about crafting memorable experiences that linger long after the cameras stop rolling. Here’s to making every day a great day with joy at the heart of it all! #JoyOnSet #FilmMakingLife #BehindTheScenes #CreateWithJoy #MemorableMoments Video Description: The video opens a team member, looking at the camera. Shaina sits next to her as they laugh. The video transitions into clips from client projects and behind-the-scenes clips from a recent shoot. The video also highlights the locations where filming took place, including a lush green valley in Switzerland.

Sometimes, you just know what you’re meant to do. For me, it's always been about telling stories that might otherwise go untold—capturing the essence of a moment, the depth of a feeling, through the lens of my camera. Documentary filmmaking and storytelling isn’t just a career; it’s a calling I have taken with me through every phase of my life. #DocumentaryLife #Filmmaker #DestinedToCreate #StoryBehindTheLens #PassionProject Video Description: Shaina opens this video smiling by speaking directly to the camera, wearing a black sleeveless shirt with her brown hair pulled slightly back. There are clips of past projects, nature, and behind-the-scenes of recent projects. There are candid clips of subjects from a recent project and a scene of Shaina standing on stage speaking at a premier. The clips are quick-changing and often switch back to Shaina being interviewed and speaking to the camera.

Reflecting on the incredible journey we’ve shared, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for each moment that has brought us to today. To my clients, who entrust me with their stories and visions, thank you for allowing me to be a part of your world and for challenging me to push creative boundaries. To my team, whose dedication and talent turn dreams into tangible realities, your passion fuels our collective success. Your hard work doesn’t just support our projects; it elevates them. And to my friends and my circle—thank you for your unwavering support and belief in me. Your encouragement and the safe space you provide are priceless, allowing me to grow both personally and professionally. This expression of gratitude barely scratches the surface, but please know that each of you plays a crucial role in every success we celebrate. Here’s to continuing our journey together, filled with joy, creativity, and mutual respect. Your presence in my life and work is a gift I treasure deeply. #ThankfulTogether #GratitudeJournal #CreativeCollaboration #ClientAppreciation #TeamGratitude Video Description: The video opens with a sunrise view of a mountain and transitions to a group walking up a pathway with the mountain views behind them. There are clips of birds flying in the sky, clips from recent and past projects, in addition to clips of Shaina working behind-the-scenes and on-camera/zoom calls. The video has text across the video in white with a thin black border, a message of gratitude and thanks. The video ends with a still picture of Shaina and her crew jumping in front of a marquee sign.

Adopting a positive outlook, even if it's 'annoyingly so' isn’t about ignoring the tough stuff; it’s about facing it head-on with the courage to say, 'This will shape me, not break me.' It’s about finding that tiny spark in the dark, holding onto it during the storm, and coming out stronger. In 2025, I am encouraging all of you reading this to 'Grow with the flow'! #GrowWithTheFlow #StoryMapping #FilmDirector #Documentarian #TravelingFilmmaker #Filmmaker Video Description: The video starts with a candid clip of Shaina setting up equipment and transitioning to an interview scene with her wearing a black sleeveless shirt. The video changes quickly with clips of Shaina speaking to the camera, behind-the-scenes clips, clips of recent projects, and scenes of nature. The video ends with a clip of Shaina laughing on camera.

While in Mexico, I took on the challenge of an ice bath, guided by the power of focused breathwork with Wim Hof. It's not just about enduring the cold but about transforming the mind to overcome mental barriers. Each breath teaches us that beyond discomfort lies the true strength we all possess. Sharing your story is akin to facing an ice bath challenge—it requires you to embrace vulnerability and step out of your comfort zone. The process may feel daunting, but like the ice bath, the result is invariably growth-driven, uncovering strengths you might never have realized you had. Let’s dive into these stories together and celebrate the growth from pushing our limits. #StoryMapping #FilmDirector #Documentarian #TravelingFilmmaker #Filmmaker Video Description: Video opens with Shaina, with brown hair and wearing a green swimsuit, standing in front of a pool filled with water and ice. The video transitions to clips of walking through a tropical event space including a selfie video of Shaina walking, the clip then shows Wim Hof, an older man wearing burgundy shorts with no shirt doing quick movements back and forth. There are clips of the setting with palm trees, which show Shaina and others sitting on yoga mats while Wim speaks. The entire group walks together, while Shaina films herself walking and wearing a baseball style hat. Wim stand in front of the ice bath speaking into a microphone. Shaina gets into the pool of ice and water and is seen practicing the methods that Wim was just speaking about, there is a group standing outside of the pool recording it on cellphones. There are clips of Shaina doing a movement practice to warm up. The video ends with Shaina stepping back into the ice bath to complete the session again, once finished she is seen hugging Wim. There are captions across the lower center of the screen in a large white with narrow black outlined font.