Starting her career as an artist, she spent 20 hard-fought years defying gender norms and forging a path with grit, grace and humor to become one of the few women ironworkers on the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
MADE OF IRON
About the Film
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 20 year trade veteran, Lisa Davidson. 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. 20 years of consistent work in Ironworking has been hard and tough. Taking risks from high structures or hanging from a harness off the GGB on a daily basis 10 hours a day. We’ll see the other side of her tough as nails persona that is required for her at work and follow her as she walks the San Francisco North Beach neighborhood. Director Kat Alioshin’s second documentary is a slice of life, full of perseverance, humour and strength of character by capturing Lisa’s unwavering spirit as she climbs her way to work on iconic structures. A powerful and inspiring story of a modern day “Rosie the Riveter” archetype, showcasing what women can achieve despite significant obstacles.
Meet the Crew

Kat Alioshin
American filmmaker known for her work in stop motion animation production. She teamed up with Henry Selick on Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), James and the Giant Peach (1996), Monkeybone (2001), and Coraline (2009). She produced and directed the documentary Animation Outlaws (2019) which premiered at Woodstock Film Festival and in 2020 screened at Annecy International Film Festival in France. Animation Outlaws won Best Documentary at San Diego Comic-Con International in 2022. Alioshin was line producer on The Inventor (2023), nominated for Best Independent Feature at the 51st Annie Awards in 2024. She co-hosted a podcast called The We Know Jack Show, a behind the scenes deep dive from the crew of Nightmare Before Christmas

Melody C. Miller
Melody C. Miller is an Emmy Award-Winning filmmaker and cinematographer who is passionate about creating impactful stories and visuals that spark important conversations. Winner of the Women in Film Cinematography Award, Melody has lensed documentaries for Sony Pictures, HBO Max, ESPN, Peacock, and PBS that captivated audiences globally.

Kia Simon
Emmy award-winning creative director, editor, and motion graphics artist. Her company Sneaky Little Sister thrives on creative and challenging motion graphics jobs. SLS can either mix with live action, or create entirely new worlds.

Cindy Ng
Cindy is a proven Animation Story Concept artist with an emphasis on Character Design for domestic and international productions. Versatile in multiple art styles, she strives to create many optional designs to engage and inspire the project's artistic vision, which includes Visual Development for large Advertising agencies, Gaming companies and major Animation Studios.

Jody Stillwater
Jody Stillwater 周青海, a filmmaker and artist in the San Francisco Bay Area, is renowned for their expertise in dynamic movement, semiotic language, time cycles, rhythm, and archetype synthesis. A twice Emmy-nominated filmmaker and co-founder of Yanasa Creative Group, Jody has showcased work at prestigious venues including the MoMA in NYC, Hammer Museum, de Young Museum, YBCA, Mutek, Gray Area, Honolulu Museum of Art, Transfer Gallery, and ISEA.

Emmy Scharlatt
Emmy has over 25 years experience, beginning as an assistant film editor in Hollywood. Currently working as an Archival Producer; finding and securing archival footage, clearing rights, and reviewing contracts in feature documentaries, short subjects, and episodic television. Organized, and passionate about helping create a story, and finding those hidden gems.

David Nelson
Supervising Sound Editor and Re-Recording Mixer at Outpost Studios, oversees all audio aspects of film and video projects for the past 20+ years, from independent to commercial productions. Outpost provides services such as voice over recording, dialogue editing, sound design, original music compositions, and Dolby mixing, delivering high-quality soundtracks that enhance the storytelling and the audience's immersive experience. David has contributed as a Music Editing for Film Instructor at the Academy of Art University. Worked with clients such as Werner Herzog, Dorothy Fadiman, Michael Apted, Tiffany Shlain, Disney, Finn Taylor, Audible, The Moxie Institute, Haskel Wexler, and more.

Skinner
"Film making and animation has brought me into collaboration and connectivity with people that has enriched my life in ways that being an isolated painter never could"
Illustration, painting, expansive installations, sculptures and gallery shows around the world including commercial work for Warner Bros, Adult Swim, Vans, Apple, Quentin Tarantino, Fender guitars, and Juxtapoz. Building a client list to balance out the psychedelic, graphic experimentations Skinner became known for. He uses every opportunity to expand into new medias as a chance to cultivate the unknown parts of himself and to collaborate with others who are searching as well.

L7
American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1985, known for their grunge-influenced punk rock sound and outspoken feminist stance. The band's most enduring lineup includes Suzi Gardner (guitar, vocals), Donita Sparks(vocals, guitar), Jennifer Finch (bass, vocals), and Dee Plakas (drums, vocals). L7's music is characterized by heavy guitar riffs, powerful rhythms, and often socially conscious lyrics. A pioneering band in the grunge movement, particularly for their all-female lineup.

TV Sundaze
French band from Valence. The “best American band in France” which abandons the optimism of the first record for much rawer feelings. They are grunge surf rock.

Preschool
San Francisco-based group known for their unique blend of surf, art rock, and garage rock. They describe their sound as a "three piece amalgam of efficacious psychedelic surf-punk served in a flagon of sacchariferous garage rock," according to Bottom Of The Hill.
Documentarian Consultants
Jennifer Kroot
Bill Guttentag
Jed Riffe
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We are partnered with From the Heart Productions, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, to collect donations
