She Shears

She Shears is a 2018 documentary film that dives deep into the world of competitive sheep shearing in New Zealand. Directed by Jack Nicol, this film introduced Hazel Wood and Catherine Mullooly to the silver screen, along with other female shearers who share their personal stories, lend their insights and experiences, and present the challenges and satisfaction intertwined with their profession.

The film offers viewers a glimpse into the lives of five women immersed in the physically grueling and male-dominated field of sheep shearing. This career demands not only physical prowess and speed but also delicacy. Each woman's story narrates their gutsy fight to make a living and thrive in a profession that requires deftness of skill, intensity, and endurance akin to that of professional athletes.

Hazel Wood and Catherine Mullooly lead the cast in a narrative that focuses on breaking stereotypes, women empowerment, endurance, and overcoming personal challenges. Wood and Mullooly represent the large community of women shearers who face the unconventional challenges existing within the field, while also shedding light on a unique approach to their shared craft. They provide an intimate perspective into an industry previously unexplored on film.

The beauty of She Shears lies not only in the showcasing of the physical toil and effort these women put into shearing, but also in the colorful and individual backgrounds that bring each of these women to the sheds. By focusing on their stories, viewers are treated to the distinct personalities of these women - their warmth, humour, determination and resilience. This allows for the audience to form a visceral connection to the characters in the film as they juggle the scales of family, hard labour, and competition.

Besides the main characters, She Shears also presents a broad assortment of people within the shearing community including farm owners, competitive shearers, event organizers, and trainers, each providing a unique aspect of this overlooked profession, its challenges and joys. The film gives an unfiltered and raw perspective on a largely unseen rural life, farming practices, and the distinct culture that thrives within this community.

In the midst of all the serious themes, She Shears also injects a fair amount of humor, making the narrative engaging. It dives into the camaraderie among the shearing community - their interactions, shared jokes, banter, and joyous moments - which adds depth to the film and enlightens audiences to the sense of unity and companionship that make the strenuous days bearable.

This film is a must-watch for documentary lovers, providing valuable insights about a less publicized profession, the struggles, and victories contained therein. Additionally, the stunning landscapes of New Zealand's countryside provide a soothing backdrop to the film's narrative, mixing gentle, scenic shots with the frantic energy of the shearing sheds. The film has a unique rhythm, reminiscent of the ever-changing pace in the life of a sheep farmer.

The powerful sound design deserves a particular mention as it immerses the viewer into the film: the buzzing of the shears, the rowdy sounds of the sheep, layered with the touching personal commentaries, all subtly enhance the overall atmosphere of the film. The use of natural sound effects allows the audience to practically smell the wool and hear the heartbeats of the hardworking shearers.

She Shears tells an inspiring tale about women challenging the status quo, breaking glass ceilings, and unsettling norms in a field not commonly presented in mainstream media. It is a celebration of hard work, resilience and community. The film echoes a universally relatable sentiment about strength, passion, and the human spirit battling against the odds and prevailing. Whether rural enthusiast, documentary devotee, or someone seeking an authentic, heartful story, viewers are sure to be captivated by the world of She Shears, where sheep shearing moves beyond being a mere occupation and becomes a way of life.