About Me

I studied media to tell stories. And social work to truly understand people and systems. Today, I combine both:

I'm not just interested in well-told stories. I believe that real connections develop when you dare to show vulnerability so that others realize they are not alone in their experience. Then the people you are truly there for can find you.

My Journey

Marie Ortsiefer - filmische Impressionen, Imagefilme und Interviews für Frauen in helfenden Berufen

  • …giving me a quick nod, usually in a hurry, glancing at their watches. One program after another ran on the screens, and more and more stories accumulated inside me. I kept so many of my interviews to myself for a long time—especially when spirituality played a role. I often felt that topics you couldn't easily explain didn't have a place in everyday media life – too out of touch with reality.

    I learned a lot from those who found trust again after a crisis. Especially when life turned upside down or doubts were particularly loud, it felt good to listen to women who had found themselves. And I wanted to share that.

  • …I studied film, explored media technology and storytelling.
    At the same time, I was deeply engaged in inner processes:
    For over two years, I was trained to perceive and consciously direct my energy, to recognize subconscious beliefs, and create more clarity within myself, my relationships, and my goals.

    Some might say I learned to get to the root of things, to balance energy centers, or to manifest more clearly.
    For me, it was mainly about learning to feel myself more deeply and to align with intention.

    I was always most touched by people who had access to something that could not be explained in words.
    At the same time, staying grounded was essential to me, which is why I kept it to myself that I meditated two hours a day.

Marie Ortsiefer - Vortrag über Nachhaltige Skalierung von gemeinnützigen Organisationen – Kooperationen mit Kommunen

  • …Precisely because I was working in a world where academics discussed broadcasting times, ratings, and the next television award, I didn't allow myself to show the side of me that dealt with less tangible realities for a long time. It was a part of me that I preferred to keep to myself – for fear of not being taken seriously. Only with time did I understand that it is precisely this combination of depth and down-to-earthness that is my place. And that there are people who long for exactly that: to be seen and taken seriously in all their facets, authentically.

    So I started conducting interviews outside of this newsroom environment. Without a broadcast format, without time pressure, simply out of the moment. Some interviews can't be planned anyway. They arise spontaneously, from a gut feeling: this woman has been through a lot. I want to know more.

I tell stories of women who look closely and speak their truth, even when it's uncomfortable, who take action, shake off old patterns, think in new ways, and create something that encourages others to follow their path. Something that not only reaches the mind, but sinks deeper into the body.

Let's take a look at what your story has to offer – and bring it to life: in photos, films, and your own words.

Education

My journey into visual language began with an analog camera and black-and-white film in the darkroom. I learned to see and to make the essential visible. During my studies, I discovered film production and found what has stayed with me to this day: the connection between visual design and stories that encourage people to explore new paths, to show themselves, and to change the world.

2009: Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies (University of Siegen)

2024: Master's in Clinical Social Work (MSW, Saint Louis University, USA, Doerr Fellowship for Equity and Inclusion)

Additional training:

2020: Strategic Content Marketing Manager (6 months, Social Media Academy)

2022: Mindfulness Trainer (6 months, EBS/TLEX)

2022-2025: Integral Life Trust Coach™ (15 months, in progress)

Work Experience

2009–2012: Video Producer at Greenpeace Germany, Hamburg.

2012–2017: TV Journalist for Hessen Broadcasting Corporation (Family, Education & Service) and documentary formats for ARD, Frankfurt.

2016–2020: Head of Marketing, Press, and Public Relations for a nationwide educational program at Stiftung Zuhören (Listening Foundation), promoting a culture of attentive listening, Frankfurt.

2021–2022: Project Manager in the “openTransfer Accelerator” scholarship program at Stiftung Bürgermut (Citizens’ Courage Foundation), supporting the strategic development of social organizations, Berlin.

2022–present: Program development, sales, and fundraising for the nationwide Bücherkoffer Programm (Bookcase Program) at coach@school e.V. – a program for educators, parents, and children that promotes multilingualism, joy of reading, and cultural diversity, Hamburg.

Since 2016: I have been supporting social profit foundations and organizations in program development, fundraising, marketing, and communications. At the same time, I work behind the camera, portraying women – in their familiar surroundings, in nature, while traveling, in workshops, and during retreats. I work nationwide, with a focus on Frankfurt a. M. and Berlin, Germany.

What I offer

For women who feel that their story holds gold – and are ready to bring it to light.

I look forward to meeting you!