RED MATILDAS – A restoration project for the digital age

A restored Red Matildas speaks directly to contemporary concerns. The Great Depression echoes today’s housing and cost-of-living crisis and widening inequality. The rise of fascism and war in the 1930s resonates with current conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, and with growing authoritarianism worldwide. The Red Matildas activism shows the enduring power of ordinary people to challenge injustice, from the struggles of workers’ and union movements, to climate action and Indigenous rights campaigns today. By telling history through women’s voices, the film also reminds us that women were important in the struggles of the past despite being neglected by many historical accounts. The film not only corrects the record, but, when restored, will ensure women’s stories are preserved and heard by current and future generations.

The restoration of Red Matildas preserves a vital chapter of Australia’s social and political history while bringing it to new generations in a powerful 4K release. At its heart are the voices of three women who, during the Great Depression, stood against war, poverty and inequality—voices that resonate strongly today. The project’s vision is to use this restoration not only as cultural preservation but as a catalyst for dialogue and action. By connecting the Red Matildas’ struggles with contemporary issues—economic inequality, gender rights, rising authoritarianism and global conflict—the film highlights the enduring power of activism and the importance of women’s voices in shaping history. Red Matildas aims to spark intergenerational conversations, foster critical reflection, and inspire audiences to see justice and equality as struggles that remain urgent—and possible—today.

A 4K restoration of Red Matildas opens up a range of opportunities.
Cultural Preservation
– Secure the film’s place in Australia’s documentary heritage.
– Introduce it to audiences who missed the 1985 release.
– Position it alongside other restored feminist and political documentaries.
Educational Reach
– Incorporate into school and university curricula (history, politics, gender studies).
– Stimulate discussion on activism, women’s rights, and political history.
Community Engagement
– Screen in cinemas, libraries, union halls, and activist spaces.
– Use screenings as conversation-starters with women’s groups, labour organisations, and social justice networks.
– Partner with museums and archives for contextual exhibitions.
International Access
– Reach global audiences via streaming.
– Connect with feminist, labour, and activist movements worldwide.
Public Dialogue
– Draw parallels with cost-of-living crises, authoritarianism, and war.
– Highlight women’s voices in shaping history.

Over the course of 40 years since the premiere of Red Matildas in 1985, the two producers have garnered extensive contacts through their filmmaking careers amongst, the groups, orgnisations, academics and individuals mentioned above as potential audiences and contributors to the funding of the restoration.

After watching Red Matildas, audiences are invited to reflect on the enduring relevance of activism, social justice, and women’s voices in shaping history. Viewers can engage with contemporary issues like economic inequality, gender rights, authoritarianism, and global conflict, drawing inspiration from the courage of May Pennefather, Joan Goodwin, and Audrey Blake. Schools and universities can use the film to spark discussion and research, while community groups, unions, and social justice organisations can host screenings and debates. Audiences are encouraged to share the stories, support initiatives that promote equality and human rights, and consider how individual and collective action can challenge injustice today, continuing the legacy of the Red Matildas for a more just, equitable, and peaceful future.