We met up with Kirk Horton of Littlebear Creative, the creative mind behind the award-winning short film ‘Light Beams for Helena’ - a huge favourite at our community events. Kirk emphasised that the key to a compelling documentary is a strong central character. Despite challenges like international travel and limited resources, it was Helena’s captivating story—blending free diving and personal struggles—that drove the film’s success, proving that interesting characters are the heart of great storytelling. Listen to the full Kirk Horton Podcast, or read on..

Rolling in the Deep

Sometimes, life brings people together in the most unexpected ways. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, Kirk found himself with plenty of free time and picked up “Deep” by James Nestor, a book that explores free diving and our intrinsic connection to water. Inspired by the vivid images of the deep ocean and solitary divers, he felt compelled to bring such a story to life through film. The idea of exploring not just the physical depths of the ocean but also the depths of human emotion popped into his head.

He reached out to several free divers, hoping to find someone whose story would captivate audiences. Helena Bourdillon stood out immediately—not just for her exceptional free diving skills but also for her personal journey. Their initial conversations were filled with mutual respect and a shared excitement about the potential of the project. Over the next two years, they became close friends, discussing sensitive topics like mental health—something Helena was passionate about. This deep friendship made it easier for her to open up on camera, adding layers to the film that truly resonated. Says Kirk, "The connection to stories and people and individuals was what sort of drew me to filmmaking and storytelling in the first place."

Creating “Light Beams for Helena” was both an artistic adventure and a logistical challenge. The team had to navigate international travel restrictions as the world slowly reopened - and of course the complexities of underwater filming. Originally planning to shoot in Honduras, they ended up in Mexico’s stunning Cenotes—natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear water, sacred to the Mayans. The imagery of light beams piercing through the water became a central theme, inspired by Helena’s reflections on the contrasts in her life. The Cenotes provided the perfect backdrop, their ethereal beauty enhancing the film’s visual storytelling.

In Documentary Shorts, be Character-Driven

In short films, strong characters are everything. Kirk: "You do really need a strong sense of character to sort of drive that narrative. Whereas in something longer, like a feature film, obviously character is still very important, but you can sort of lean on the story a little bit more."

With only about 10 minutes to tell a story, Kirk knows that characters need to instantly connect with the audience and convey depth in a short time. He is naturally drawn to passionate people who have something meaningful to say—individuals who inspire others through their experiences. Helena was a perfect example. Her openness about her mental health struggles added profound depth, making her not just part of the documentary but the character-driven story itself. Her courage in sharing her journey allowed the film to address important themes of resilience and self-discovery, touching audiences on a personal level.

Balancing Passion and Reality in Filmmaking

Making a film isn’t cheap, and Kirk’s team faced significant financial challenges. They received a small grant that covered basic expenses like flights and accommodation, but much of the work was unpaid. The team’s dedication came from their belief in the project’s importance and the impact it could have. While Kirk balances commercial work to pay the bills, it’s passion projects like this that keep him inspired and remind him why he became a filmmaker. The personal satisfaction and creative fulfilment derived from such projects are invaluable, often outweighing the financial constraints.

Once on location in Mexico, the team’s focus shifted entirely to the creative process. The stunning visuals and the immersive experience of free diving overshadowed any financial worries, reaffirming why they embarked on this journey. The collaboration among team members, all sharing a common goal, created a supportive environment essential for bringing the film to life. Their shared passion made the challenging process rewarding on many levels.

Capturing Beauty Amidst Challenges

Despite technical difficulties like the taxing nature of free diving and limited filming time, the cinematography in “Light Beams for Helena” is breathtaking. Their cinematographer, Jeff Penella, captured the drama of the underwater light beams and Helena’s serene presence with remarkable skill. Underwater filming presents unique challenges—from managing equipment in a submerged environment to coordinating dives with safety considerations. Yet, the team’s passion shines through in every frame, turning obstacles into a visually captivating film that immerses the audience in Helena’s world.

Kirk admits that the editing part of the process can do your head in after the joy of filming: "You'll be editing for a week and you'll watch it back. And you're like, this is useless. What have I created? No one's going to want to watch this. And then you edit for another week and it's amazing and you can't stop watching it."

The interplay of light and water created mesmerising visuals that not only enhanced the film’s aesthetic appeal but also symbolised Helena’s personal journey from darkness to light. Each shot was meticulously planned and executed to convey emotion and meaning, making the film a true work of art. The technical expertise combined with artistic vision resulted in a powerful visual narrative.

What Kirk Does On His Holidays...

Kirk isn’t just about filmmaking; he’s an adventurer at heart. He once kayaked over 300 miles down the Hudson River with his friend Brennan Davis, starting from the source at Mount Marcy in the Adirondacks all the way to the Statue of Liberty. This journey proved that you don’t need exotic locations to find excitement and that adventure can be found in your own backyard. It’s about embracing challenges, pushing personal boundaries, and finding joy in the journey itself.

Looking forward, he’s excited about an upcoming short film featuring what he believes to be the oldest running team in the world. Led by 104-year-old captain George Etzweiler, the team consists of members over 65 who participate in a 50-mile relay race annually. This project continues Kirk’s passion for capturing unique and inspiring stories that highlight the extraordinary achievements of ordinary people. It’s not just about the physical feat but about the spirit of determination, camaraderie, and the defiance of age-related stereotypes that unites them.

In all his work, whether it’s filmmaking or personal adventures, Kirk demonstrates that powerful stories come from genuine connections and shared passions. “Light Beams for Helena” is a testament to that belief, proving that when you balance passion with dedication, amazing things can happen. His commitment to storytelling that touches hearts and minds is evident in every project he undertakes. By focusing on the human element and embracing the challenges along the way, Kirk continues to create meaningful work that resonates with audiences around the world.

Kirk says, "I think I'm just naturally attracted to people who have something to say or feel really passionately about something or are just fascinating people to be around."

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