Synopsis
Songbirds is a powerful documentary that uncovers the untold stories of pioneering Australian women who transformed the music industry. Led by publicist Annie Wright, the film highlights the groundbreaking contributions of icons such as Olivia Newton-John, Renée Geyer, Judith Durham, Helen Reddy, Chrissy Amphlett, and Ruby Hunter. Using rare archival footage and personal accounts, Songbirds reveals the struggles and triumphs of these trailblazing artists, many of whom faced immense personal and professional challenges, including battles with cancer. The film not only celebrates their impact but also connects their legacy to today’s music industry, featuring contemporary voices like Delta Goodrem, Kylie Minogue, Jessica Mauboy, and Annie Lennox. By weaving together these stories, Songbirds serves as a tribute to the resilience, determination, and empowerment of women in music, both past and present, and calls for the recognition of their vital contributions to the industry and society.
Story
Songbirds is a compelling documentary that weaves the stories of pioneering Australian women in music with the voices of contemporary artists. The narrative follows Annie Wright, a legendary publicist, as she embarks on a mission to preserve the legacies of icons like Olivia Newton-John, Judith Durham, Renée Geyer, Chrissy Amphlett, Helen Reddy, and Ruby Hunter. These trailblazers broke barriers in a male-dominated industry, reshaping cultural landscapes while navigating personal struggles such as sexism, identity, and health challenges.
Structured around the Hero’s Journey, the documentary unfolds in three acts. Act One introduces Annie’s quest to honour these women’s contributions, driven by their fading visibility. Act Two delves into their struggles and triumphs, revealing untold stories through rare archival footage and heartfelt interviews. Act Three crescendos with a tribute concert featuring contemporary artists like Kylie Minogue and Delta Goodrem, bridging past and present.
Production Stage
- Development
- Production
- Post-production
- Completed
- Outreach
DURATION: 90 MINUTES
Issue area
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