Author: Makeely Nix

In collaboration with members from The Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers, I have formed a webpage which outlines the available history of women members since they were granted membership in 1989. Featuring oral history interviews with Sue Milliken AO and Kerry Westwood, as well as reflections by the First Female National President Wendy Paterson, the webpage illuminates the personal experiences and professional contributions of women members across various professional sectors of the Australian Motion Picture Industry to the operation of society. In doing so, reflections on the importance of women pioneers and their history in the community are formed, highlighting the changes which have allowed a more progressive and equitable community for women – one which vastly contradicts the original patriarchal image of the society upon formation in 1933. 

The oral history approach was inspired by a seemingly lack of historical documentation, especially regarding the personal interactions and community bonds which are so appealing for members. When discussing the history of women pioneers with female members, a common response was how there had been little mention of or reflection upon the extended period of operation – 56 years – where women were excluded from membership. Throughout the project, I often found myself returning to this observation. How could something so substantial seem so trivial? In further discussions, I realised the lack of personal and collective reflection on this history was likely informed by the prevailing sense of equality within the community. As Sue observed, there has always been a “genderless” feeling amongst the pioneers. My motives were then transformed from critically examining the history of women. Instead, I moved towards insighting reflections as a way of instigating greater appreciation of the contributions of both themselves and the women members before them, forming an image of the operational changes which informed the progressive and equitable community the society has increasingly become since 1989.

As previously mentioned, I feel the reflection upon the history of women members will be beneficial for the entire community. In my conversations with members, I heard there are currently discussions of redirecting attention towards the need of documenting and archiving historic materials, something which has long been missing because of the fractured locations of branches and operation of the society being entirely volunteer led. I hope the project may have a short term impact of instigating further reflection on the need for the documentation of oral histories, especially for women but also other members, while perhaps showcasing the possible routes which could be taken for forming an online database with available records of oral history interviews and other historical sources in an accessible way for the community. 

Throughout the semester, I have pushed myself out of my normal comfort zone with conducting oral history interviews and discussions with people from all areas of the Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers. These past few months have been incredibly rewarding personally, and experiencing the importance of community connection and appreciation amongst professionals across the Australian Motion Picture Industry has heightened my appreciation of local organisations whose volunteers dedicate their own time for the benefits of others – and perhaps my own aspirations of becoming a part of the film industry may find myself becoming a member of the community as well one day. 

Uncover the history of women pioneers and hear their oral histories here.

As someone who has held a deep passion for cinema for many years now, the endurance of artistic collaboration and a sense of community provided through the shared endeavour of cinematic creation has always been a defining aspect of the medium – one whose success relies on the connections formed with others. 

The Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers has become one such organisation where camaraderie endures. Founded in Sydney in 1933 by veterans of the motion picture industry, the society has remained dedicated to the recognition of its members who have contributed 20 or more years of service to the Australian Motion Picture Industry – whether involved in distribution, production, exhibition, administration and education.

As membership numbers have increased over the years, various state branches have been formed nationally. Regardless of where you may find yourself across Australia, there will be a branch of the society where members can encounter other industry professionals, reconnect with colleagues, or form new friendships. The society often organises social functions – networking events, film screenings, dinner catchups – and holds annual award presentations of National and State Cinema Pioneers of the Year, where members are recognised for their decades of influential contributions across various sectors of the Australian Motion Picture Industry. The community celebration of the achievements of individuals is at the forefront of the values of the society. 

Although I had never encountered The Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers before, I was immediately struck by the sense of community displayed online when researching possible organisations. The group photographs, written celebratory praise of awarded members, social media and group activities – an organised but communal sense of collaboration appeared on screen before me. I suppose I had never considered the importance of a society for industry professionals beyond film production sets, boardrooms, and other formal spaces, where a community can come together for their shared passion for cinema and love of the industry. A society which reflects the values of community crucial for the cinematic medium as a whole, and for film spectators like myself, who form our own connections based around the dedicated work of these industry professionals. 

To be expected, the past 91 years have seen various organisational changes. 

After conducting research and collaborating with a member of the society, the startling piece of information which immediately grabbed my attention was the admittance of membership for women only occurred in 1989. For 56 years the society was for men only, even though there remained a substantial female presence in the Australian film industry for decades. How then has the society become so diverse and inclusive since 1989? My project will focus upon this question among many others, uncovering how women changed the community of the society from 1989 until now.

As the Australian Motion Picture Industry has become increasingly inclusive, diverse, and equitable for women since 1989, The Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers has evolved to reflect the changing demographics of the cinema community. In doing so, the shared sense of community provided by the society has never been so widespread and enduring, across all ages and genders, as it is today.