Spencer Austad

Margaret Jones is an 85 year old woman who resides alone in Birchgrove. She has spent most of her adult life non-conforming. She is a lesbian feminist who has been involved for more than 50 years in social change/ progressive politics and in most modern social movements in Australia: women’s liberation, gay liberation, anti-war moratoriums and other social justice causes. But at the age of 85, Margaret believes that society makes her invisible both because of her age and sexuality; and because she is independent (alone and childless). However, for her friends and associates in Sydney’s progressive political groups she is not only visible, vocal and active, but a driving and determined force for progressive change.

SEEING MARGARET JONES is a documentary that celebrates Margaret’s life and demonstrates to Margaret that she is highly visible and vocal to all in her life and that her impact has been and is profound. The film is also an opportunity for Margaret to reflect on her life experiences and the invaluable lessons she has learnt dealing with sexism, racism, lesbiaphobia and now in later life, ageism and a profound sense of isolation and invisibleness. Most importantly, the film provides a wonderful testament to Margaret’s life.

The film is 30 mins and is constructed in 3 parts - Part 1: A Brief History of Margaret Jones; Part:2 The Very Independent Margaret Jones; and Part 3: Who sees Margaret Jones? Parts 1 and 2 contain interviews with Margaret and array of photos documenting her life; Part 3 involves interviews with a number of prominent feminists (including Tanya Plibersek MP, Sally McManus, Dr Mary Sprongberg, Dr Meredith Burgmann, Helen Campbell and Trish Doyle) regarding specific questions about how they “see” Margaret.

The producers are Rose Tracey and Spencer Austad