Souls of Italy featuring Kirsten Hills

“I think what's been an amazing part of this project in general but particularly withRodolfo’s story was the comments. There have been thousands, the majority filled witha sense of sadness and very much connected to nostalgia and this sense that Florenceis going through a huge transformation at the moment and he represents everything thatpeople think is great about Florence. People wrote that they felt moved to tears which Ifind amazing. I love that. I love idea that the films can have an impact on peoplebecause it means that I've managed to communicate something and touch them insome way.” Kirsten HillsIn this episode, I speak with filmmaker Kirsten Hills, creator of Souls of Italy, about whatit takes to document a country so often reduced to images and clichés and why Italycontinues to resist easy storytelling.Our conversation centers on Kirsten’s approach to filmmaking as a form of inquiry: howshe gains trust, listens closely, and allows people and places to reveal themselves ontheir own terms. Rather than chasing spectacle, Souls of Italy focuses on everydaylives, local histories, and the emotional ties that bind individuals to their communities.We also discuss how some of the series’ most resonant episodes emerged organically,including widely shared profiles such as Rodolfo, the Florentine tailor, whose storystruck a chord with audiences around the world. These moments, Hills explains, reflectthe power of intimate, place-based storytelling, where craft, memory, and humanconnection quietly take center stage.Warm, thoughtful, and grounded in lived experience, this interview offers a nuancedlook at Italy through the eyes of a filmmaker committed to telling its stories withauthenticity and care.BiographyKirsten Hills is a British-born video journalist and filmmaker based in Florence, Italy.With a passion for storytelling that’s simple, authentic, and meaningful, she specializesin creating films that connect and inspire.Her career began with a degree in politics and broadcast journalism, followed by a BBCtraineeship. She went on to work in news and current affairs as a producer, reporter,and presenter, developing her skills in uncovering and sharing compelling stories.She lives in Florence with her Italian husband and two children. Since moving here,she’s built her business, as a freelancer, collaborating with luxury travelcompanies, fashion brands, and world-famous museums to create bespoke videos thathighlight beauty, culture, and creativity. She continues to work with international newsnetworks CNN, NBC, BBC & ITV.Over the years she’s been asked to film destination weddings, which she loves to do.Each year she does a limited number of weddings, working with lovely couples, some ofwhom have become friends.She’s driven by curiosity and inspired by the quirky, humorous, and unexpectedmoments of everyday life. Living in Italy offers endless opportunities to discoverextraordinary stories in the seemingly ordinary.Linkshttps://kirstenhills.com/https://www.instagram.com/soulsofitaly/tiktok.com/@SoulsofItalyhttps://www.youtube.com/@SoulsofItalyhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575937589934&sk=abouthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsten-hills-06910361/Share, like, comment, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Intern: Jasmine KimRecording and post-production Lorenzo Maiani, Faminore Sound Agency