The crowdfunding campaign to make a dramatic feature film about the historic Jobs for Women campaign at the Port Kembla steelworks reached its fundraising target of $25,000 with a week to spare.
Four days from the end of the campaign, $26,898 had been contributed toward the making of the film, over a 6-week period.
Member of the film's producer's group Jill Hickson said: "Thanks to the amazing people-powered efforts of over 170 backers — including the likes of former ACTU president Jennie George, union stalwart Fred Moore, various union women's committees, the NTEU NSW and many more — we are a huge step closer to making what we believe will be an inspiring film like no other."
Hundreds more contributed by donating at launches of the film project in Wollongong, Sydney, Melbourne, Geelong and Cairns, where the Women of Steel book, on the same subject, was also launched. One of the founders of the campaign, Robynne Murphy, who is also part of the production team, met with a range of union women's groups in NSW and Victoria to promote the film.
Melanie Barnes, also from the producer's group, said that the crowdfunding campaign was the foundation to make the film. "We will be using this crowdfunding success to approach unions, film organisations, funding bodies, and individuals for larger contributions to help make up the rest of the film's budget."
Money from the crowdfunding campaign will go towards completing script development and research; covering script workshopping, auditions, rehearsals and shoot preparations; and paying for film equipment.
To finalise the crowdfunding campaign, a screening of the award-winning Radical Wollongong was held at the Thirroul Community Centre on June 20.
From strikes to community rallies, from work-ins to parliament occupation, it features activist participants, archival footage and powerful music, to craft a story that has resonated locally and internationally.
Click here more information on the Jobs For Women film.
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