Portrait Films paints your life’s story in cinematic form.
You have lived, loved, wondered, and changed. You’ve been a thinking, feeling being—a witness to joy and sorrow, to the ordinary and the extraordinary. Your story is not just a collection of memories; it’s a testament to a life fully lived. We help you preserve that story in a way that is intimate, cinematic, and enduring, so generations can know not just what happened, but who you truly are.
Portrait Films creates your documentary through interviews, digitized photos & films, and newly shot video that is curated to share your life’s story.
Why Tell Your Story
One day, all that remains of us are the stories we leave behind. Your voice, lived experience, and wisdom—they deserve to be remembered. A Portrait Film is more than a record of events; it’s a living artwork that shares who you are, told in your own words.
Our Approach
We work with a select number of clients each year to create films of enduring beauty. Every project is bespoke—crafted through deep conversations, cinematic storytelling, and a process designed to honor your individuality. This is not a template. It’s a collaboration that results in something timeless.
Is This For You?
Our memoir films are created for individuals who value legacy and artistry—and who understand the importance of preserving their story with care. If you’re ready to invest in something meaningful and lasting, we’d love to start the conversation.
How It Works
Step One: We Start by Listening
We’ll talk about your vision, the scope of your story, and what matters most to you. This is where we begin to understand who you are—and how to honor your life in film.
Step Two: Planning Your Legacy
Creating a cinematic memoir is an investment in legacy. We’ll discuss your priorities and outline a timeline that works for you. Our films are crafted with care, and that takes time—typically several months from first interview to final edit.
Step Three: Bringing Your Story to Life
This is where your story begins to take shape. We carefully digitize your photos and home movies, curate family archives, and film new scenes that reflect your life today—your home, your favorite spaces, the details that make you who you are. Intimate interviews become the heartbeat of the film, capturing your voice and your reflections. Every element is chosen with intention, so the final documentary feels alive and deeply personal.
Meet The Director:
Michael Ivan Schwartz
I’ve been a filmmaker for more than two decades, specializing in documentary-style films that tell real stories with honesty and depth. My career has taken me behind the scenes of nonprofits, foundations, and individuals who are making the world a more beautiful place. But the work that moves me most is helping people preserve their own stories—their voice, their essence—while they’re here to share it.
Why? Because I believe every life is extraordinary. I’ve seen how a well-told story can connect generations, heal relationships, and give meaning that lasts beyond a lifetime. My favorite part of the process is the interview—those quiet moments where someone opens up and reflects on what truly matters. I’ve been told I have a gift for putting people at ease and drawing out their most authentic self, and that’s what makes these films so powerful.
If you’re ready to create a film that honors your life and your legacy, I’d love to start the conversation.
Sample Videos
