Sistas in Mining, 2023
Sistas in Mining is a compelling 26-minute documentary that opens a window into the rarely seen world of First Nations women working in Australia's mining sector. Created as part of SBS/NITV's Curious Australia initiative, this intimate portrayal follows writer/producer Shontell Leah Ketchell's own journey as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander woman balancing life as a production operator in a Central Queensland coal mine while pursuing her screenwriting dreams.
Co-directed by Ewan Cutler and Jill Robinson, the documentary breaks new ground in representation, challenging industry stereotypes while celebrating the resilience and ambition of Indigenous women. Through personal narratives and behind-the-scenes insights, Sistas in Mining explores themes of cultural identity, professional ambition, and the changing face of Australia's resources sector. The film stands as a testament to the power of authentic storytelling and the importance of First Nations voices in contemporary Australian media.
Premiered on NITV: August 11, 2023
Supported by
Credits
Creator/Co-Producer/Writer - Shontell Ketchell (Pandamonuim Films)
Co-Producer/Co-Director - Jill Robinson
Co-Director/Cinematographer - Ewan Cutler (Hudson Films)
Executive Producer - Dean Gibson
NITV Commisioning Editor - Marissa McDowell
Editor - Pip Hart
Composer - Tristan Barton
Marketing Producer / Safety Supervisor - Sam Weingott
Production Assistant - Isobella Windsor
Sound Recordist - Sony Sando
Post - The Post Lounge
Post Production Producer - Lauren van Rensburg
Post Production Coordinator - Hannah Konecny
Sound Designer / Sound Re-Recording Mixer - Dan Brown
Colourist - Danny Scotting
Online Editor - Charnstar Anderson
Technical Manager - Ian Redmond
Chartered Accountants - Graham Young
Production Lawyer - Gai Steele