Rebecca Matkovic-Helou brings over 15 years of storytelling expertise across three continents to every project she undertakes. Her commitment to authentic narratives and ability to weave compelling stories has earned her recognition as a masterful voice in documentary filmmaking, where she combines technical excellence with deep emotional resonance.
Meet the Storyteller Behind Washed Away
At the heart of the storytelling of Washed Away is Rebecca Matkovic-Helou, an Australian award-winning film writer with extensive expertise in screenwriting, voiceover writing, scriptwriting, and story flow development. With over 15 years of experience in New York, Paris, and Melbourne, Rebecca has built a reputation for crafting narratives that connect deeply with audiences while honouring the authenticity of the stories she tells. Her dedication to storytelling made her an integral part of bringing Washed Away to life.
From the very beginning, Rebecca was inspired by the strength and resilience of the Northern Rivers community. Witnessing how they came together—providing raw footage, offering support, and contributing music—was a profoundly moving experience. Rebecca knew this film had to reflect their collective spirit and ensure their voices were heard.
Crafting the Heart of Washed Away
Rebecca worked tirelessly to shape the vision for Washed Away, collaborating closely with Stu and I from Free Flow Films. Over the next 20 months, she poured herself into every aspect of the narrative, meticulously reviewing countless hours of footage, crafting detailed notes, and revising the script through three major iterations. Her goal was to tell the community’s story with honesty, care, and integrity, capturing their struggles and triumphs in a way that felt true to their experiences.
Her collaboration extended beyond storytelling, ensuring the visuals supported the evolving narrative, as well as writing the voiceovers. With contributions from local musicians and the support of the community, Washed Away became more than a documentary—it became a tool for change, tied to a not-for-profit initiative aimed at driving funds back into the region.
Rebecca’s dream for Washed Away is simple yet profound: to see smiles on the faces of the people who have struggled. Their resilience and strength have been at the heart of this journey, and her deepest hope is that this film brings them pride, hope, and the recognition they deserve.
Grateful for the journey and inspired by the people she’s met along the way, Rebecca looks forward to continuing her work with the Free Flow Films team, creating documentaries that not only inform and move audiences but also inspire real change.
With every project, Rebecca continues to craft stories that honour the human experience and leave a lasting legacy of hope and connection. To learn more about Rebecca’s work, visit Quill & Raven.
