I am an independent filmmaker and life-long journalist with a passion for nature, adventure, world cultures, music, the ocean, environmentalism, human rights and our connection to the planet and each other, with an element of spirituality.
Origin and life summary: I am a British-Dutch nomad, a born explorer who has travelled around the world as a journalist and enjoys immersing herself in nature, the outdoors and narrating life stories. Born and raised in the north-east of England, hailing from a creative family, daughter to a prolific composer and singer-songwriter and visual and music artists on both the British and Dutch sides of my family, I was immersed with arts and literature and have been a writer ever since I can remember. I also enjoy audio creation, going on to work in local radio and then international broadcasting soon thereafter.
Published in national poetry and writing competitions from the age of 8, I officially became a journalist and assistant editor at the age of 14 and never looked back. I've had a range of academic and creative careers, including PR, marketing, photography and University lecturing. I was also the product manager for the world's leading multilingual broadcaster in Tokyo, directing video and podcast shows and news-presenting for the corporation in over 35 of their language channels, the first language-learning broadcaster to be featured as inflight entertainment on flights under my management, starting with British Airways. I presented series such as Dutch Holidays and a range of travel and language shows and worked as a script-supervisor, subtitler and video manager.
A born multilingual who embraces world culture, cuisine and communication. I interview people on their life stories in the form of short-films and podcasts.
In 2023 my direction changed as I was drawn to adventure sports: deep-diving, specifically. I started making my own feature-films I currently document my journey and produce ocean documentaries using an ethereal cinematography style in which I am the protagonist. I film, direct, narrate and produce these feature films. My series Breathing Underwater was discovered and selected by Amnesty International for their Film Festival taking place in Tokyo 2/2/2025. Breathing Underwater is the chosen feature film series, in which I advocate for and illustrate environmentalism, a core human right.
Academic Background: My academic background consists of a quadruple major in Combined Arts from Durham University, UK, a top world University.
Humanitarianism: I have been involved with the UN on various topics of interest since 2017, as the former Speech Writer for Japan's Peace Mission Second Secretary for Japan at the New York Headquarters. I am actively involved in the UN, including environmental seminars and UN Women amongst other UN divisions in both events and diplomatic communications training capacities.
Roots: I have become increasingly interested in my ancestral roots and how cultures connect through music
Music: I am a vocalist and acoustic musician and enjoy connecting and collaborating with world musicians as "Gabriella White World Acoustics" and also "The Forest Sessions", creating outdoor live music videos. Previous stage performances include: Tokyo, Kyoto, Okinawa, Bali, Cambodia, Laos, the UK.
Health and well-being practitioner: I am a qualified Reiki Master Practitioner, avid yogi and meditator, learning under the mastery of gurus including those from Hyderabad since 2014. Performing acoustic music as part of yoga teacher trainings with Indian and Balinese tabla musicians. Sound healing.
Official Selection
Breathing Underwater Episodes 1-6: Triple Octopus, Blue Cave, Labyrinth, Under The Bridge, Reviving Coral, Stars of the Ocean
Amnesty International Film Festival
Tokyo
2025
Best Environmental
Breathing Underwater: Episode 4: Under The Bridge
Paris Women CineFest
Paris
2025
Official Selection
Breathing Underwater: Episode 4: Under The Bridge
Amnesty International Film Festival
Tokyo
2025
Official Selection
Breathing Underwater Episodes 4-6 - Under The Bridge, Reviving Coral, Stars of the Ocean
Amnesty International Film Festival
Tokyo
2025
Official Selection
Breathing Underwater Episodes 1-3 - Triple Octopus, The Blue Cave & Labyrinth
Amnesty International Film Festival
Tokyo
2025
Official Selection
Breathing Underwater: Episode 3: Labyrinth
Amnesty International Film Festival
Tokyo
2025
Official Selection
Breathing Underwater: Episode 1: Triple Octopus
Amnesty International Film Festival
Tokyo
2025
Official Selection
The Culture Cave Dives Deep: Magical Encounters Await Scuba Diving Adventurer Gabriella White
Amnesty International Film Festival
Tokyo
2025
Official Selection
Breathing Underwater: Episode 2: The Blue Cave
Amnesty International Film Festival
Tokyo
College
Durham University, UK
French, German, Linguistics, History of Art
20032007
Birth Date
July 1
Nickname
Ella / Gabby
Birth City
Durham, UK
Current City
Tokyo, Japan
Hometown
County Durham, UK
Height
180cm
Gender
Female
Eye Color
Blue
Zodiac Sign
Cancer
When I dive all else melts away - it is the feeling of merging with a world that is so remarkably beautiful... and at the same time feels mysteriously familiar. The underwater world is a place of soothing beauty, where light meets darkness and heaven meets Earth.
- Gabriella White, Open Water Diver Level II
I am an independent filmmaker and life-long journalist with a passion for nature, adventure, world cultures, music, the ocean, environmentalism, human rights and our connection to the planet and each other, with an element of spirituality.
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