In a field where women make up less than 3% of the workforce, Lisa Davidson, has not only survived—she’s thrived. Breaking through barriers of gender bias through grit, grace and humor. But it’s not just about lifting steel—it’s about lifting the entire community.
San Francisco’s iconic skyline and unique structures have been romanticized from every angle, except one, the unique point of view from the very few who see the City by the Bay while building it. Structural Ironworkers are the first at the job site, joining steel girders into the framework. The position of an Ironworker demands physical strength and courage while operating at great heights. Set against the backdrop of vibrant San Francisco, MADE OF IRON uncovers the trials and tribulations of a 24 year trade veteran, Lisa Davidson. The filmmaker has first hand access to Lisa, as they both started in the film business and remained in close contact. Using interviews, archival footage and 2D animation we are exposed to the indomitable spirit of Lisa against odds as she works her way into iron gangs atop the most iconic ironwork in the USA - The Golden Gate Bridge. Lisa’s story unfolds less like you’d expect a bad ass ironhead’s life trajectory and more like a dilettante artist. An art school graduate from Brookline Massachusetts, Lisa found herself in San Francisco designing window displays at Macy’s and as an artist fabricating puppets and sets on stop motion films. Film work being intermittent, Lisa desired a job with union benefits. At a Port of Oakland job fair, Lisa had one question for a recruiter, “what is the hardest, toughest job? She was directed to the Ironworker rep table where they immediately let her know she wouldn’t be accepted. Trying to talk her out of it made her want to pursue the trade even more. A powerful and inspiring story of a modern day “Rosie the Riveter” archetype, showcasing what women can achieve despite significant obstacles.
Kat Alioshin has made a career out of working in stop motion feature animation since 1991 starting with Nightmare Before Christmas. Continuing as Assistant Director on James and the Giant Peach with Henry Selick. Every year after that she has worked on animated features such as Monkeybone, Corpse Bride, and Coraline. Spending two years on the Selick film called CinderBiter. Moving to France in 2021 to work with Jim Capobianco on the 2023 released Leonardo Da Vinci feature called The Inventor. In 2019, she finished a feature documentary called Animation Outlaws about Spike & Mike Festival of Animation. Currently working on a documentary about the rare woman Ironworker in the Bay Area called Made of Iron.
Director of Photography - Melody C. Miller
Sound mixer - Jody Stillwater
Editor - Kia Simon
Sound Design - Dave Nelson from Outpost
Colorist - Ashley Pagan
