Axe Women: The Modern Lumberjill
Feature Film Documentary
Project Type: Feature Film Documentary
Project Status: In Production
Writer/Director: Breanna Wing
Producer: Indeana Underhill
Project Email: axewomenfilm@gmail.com
LOGLINE
A high-octane documentary exploring the intersection of feminism & athleticism of lumberjills. From women’s wartime contributions in the timber industry to modern-day athletes challenging gender norms with their strength & power, this film offers an inside view of how lumberjills have navigated societal perceptions, their physical power, family responsibilities & their own identity for over 100 years.
SYNOPSIS
“Axe Women” is a feature documentary spotlighting a group of powerful female timber sports athletes known as “lumberjills.” Despite their global presence, their existence remains largely unknown. Their name is absent from the Merriam-Webster dictionary, even though they have made pivotal contributions to wartime efforts since 1917.
This film is a high-octane exploration into the intersection of feminism & athleticism of lumberjills past & present. Wood chips flying, saw dust spraying and lumberjills grunting sounds of strength and power, we go behind the scenes to capture the dichotomy of home life vs. competition life of a group of modern lumberjills dedicated to a sport rooted in global logging history.
This story follows a group of women around the country and how they find a balance between people’s perception of them, their physical power, family responsibilities, and their own identity. From interviews with WWII veterans of the Women’s Timber Corps who helped keep industry afloat while the men went to war, to the birth of a synthetic “log” giving mainstream access to the sport of Logrolling, we’ll not only have up-close-and-personal access to modern-day lumberjills trying to get this sport into the Olympics but also look at the social impact of Timber Sports through a global lens of its racial diversity, age diversity and body-shape diversity.
MORE ABOUT THE PROJECT
From their vital contributions during wartime to their present-day efforts in challenging gender norms, "Axe Women" unveils the untold story of these extraordinary women. Despite their global presence, lumberjills remain largely unrecognized, their name absent from the Merriam-Webster dictionary, even though their legacy dates back to 1917.
"Axe Women" takes you on a thrilling journey, showcasing the raw power and determination of these athletes. With wood chips flying and sawdust spraying, this documentary offers an inside look at the dichotomy of home life versus competition life for modern lumberjills. You’ll be plopped into their world and follow a group of these dedicated women as they navigate societal perceptions, balance family responsibilities, and assert their own identities.
Featuring interviews with WWII veterans of the Women’s Timber Corps and a look at the birth of a synthetic log for logrolling, this film not only captures the excitement of timber sports but also examines its social impact. Through a global lens, "Axe Women" highlights the sport’s racial, age, and body-shape diversity, and the ongoing efforts to bring timber sports to the Olympics.
Join us in celebrating the strength, resilience, and spirit of these incredible women. "Axe Women" is a powerful testament to the enduring legacy and future potential of lumberjills.
Breanna Wing
Director
Breanna Wing uses filmmaking to tell stories about the human experience and the natural world. A Maine native and Chapman University graduate, Breanna has worked from a young age to shed light on the issues of conservation and gender equality.
Breanna's documentary journey began at 14 when she directed her first film, shedding light on the local humane society's overuse of euthanasia. The film helped raise funds for the new Greater Androscoggin Humane Society, now a sanctuary for over 3,500 animals. A few years later, she co-directed and co-produced "Eye to Eye," a documentary shot in Cameroon spotlighting the illegal bushmeat trade and advocating for the protection of endangered primates.
Breanna transitioned to narrative filmmaking on blockbuster sets, including two Marvel Cinematic Universe films, which paved the way for jobs on major productions like "Django Unchained.” She was promoted to Art Department Coordinator of an NBC sitcom, has been an assistant to Producer Victor Hsu, Director Jason Winer, and an award-winning Casting Director.
Stepping out from behind the camera, Breanna transitioned to acting, studying at Los Angeles studios including Lesly Kahn & Co., Upright Citizens Brigade & The Groundlings. This led to supporting roles for Quentin Tarantino, Adam McKay, and Aaron Sorkin.
Indeana Underhill
Producer
Indeana is an Associate Member of the Canadian Society of Cinematographers, a member of the International Collective of Female Cinematographers, a member of the American Society of Cinematographer's MITC Lens Committee, and a graduate of the American Film Institute's Cinematography Conservatory.
She is the co-founder of Cinematography for Actors, an education and community-building non-profit that focuses on educating and building community for underrepresented filmmakers. Indeana's expertise is recognized through her guest lectures at Cornell University and speaking engagements at various UC campuses and Oscar-qualifying film festivals.
She has traveled extensively through over 30 countries, working professionally in the US, Canada, South Korea, Spain, Greece, Argentina, Scotland, Qatar, Egypt, and Nepal.