Trailblazers doco for Stan

Stan has announced an Original Documentary Trailblazers which charts the rise of the Matildas.

It will premiere later this year in the lead up to the Paris Olympic Games.

Stan Chief Content Officer Cailah Scobie said: “Stan is delighted to be working with the filmmakers of Trailblazers, Documentary Australia and Mecca to amplify and celebrate the incredible rise of women’s football. The Matildas are one of Australia’s most beloved teams and we know this documentary will inspire, educate and drive important conversations ahead of Paris 2024.”

Executive Director of Mecca M-Power Lisa Keenan said: “Sport, like art, has the power to bring people together and help us to see the world in new ways. Last year, during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Matildas didn’t just kick their way into the collective hearts of Australia. They showed the world the beauty of teamwork, the unique skill and artistry of women’s football, and they inspired a new generation of girls to pick up the ball and run with it.”

Screen Australia Head of Documentary Richard Huddleston said: “Trailblazers will strike a chord with Australian audiences – opening our minds to the power sport has to drive change in society. It’s a story that lays bare the heart, soul and perseverance of these legendary female athletes and gives hope for a future where women and girls have equal access, opportunity and pay in sport. Screen Australia is immensely proud to have supported this powerful documentary.”

VicScreen CEO, Caroline Pitcher said: “Last year, the Matildas took the world by storm with their incredible World Cup campaign and their extraordinary talent and determination. Produced by a female-led creative team, this powerful documentary captures the trailblazers and the pioneers who paved the way for women’s football, and the leaders who continue to champion equality and inclusion today. Rousing and inspiring – VicScreen is proud to have supported Trailblazers through both our development and production funding.”

From the first FIFA recognised game in 1979 and the early years of paying-to-play, to the Matildas striking for equal pay in 2015, heartbreak at the Tokyo 2020 and Australia co-hosting the largest women’s sporting event on the planet, the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 to qualifying for Paris 2024. This triumphant story honours the early players who paved the way for future generations and the rockstar players who are household names today.

Created by an all female production team, Trailblazers features past Matildas legends including first captain Julie Dolan and current stars: Captain Sam Kerr, Vice-Captain Steph Catley, Mary Fowler, Ellie Carpenter, Teagan Micah, Melissa Barbieri, Kate Gill and Moya Dodd. Trailblazers also features contributions from ex Socceroos Captain and Stan Sport commentator Craig Foster, Coach Tommy Sermanni and the first Indigenous female player Karen Menzies.

Trailblazers is a Savage Films, Milestone Films and LM Films Production for Stan Originals. Principal Production Funding from Mecca M-Power in association with Screen Australia. Developed and produced in association with VicScreen.

DOP Maggie Eudes, Editor Sara Edwards, Executive Producers Caitriona Fay & Kate Gill, Stan Executive Producers Cailah Scobie & Alicia Brown. Producer Lucy Maclaren, Producers-Writers-Directors Maggie Miles & Maggie Eudes.