Who we are
At Why Documentaries, we care both about the real story - the story behind the story, but also how we share our stories with the world including their end effect on the audience. We believe in the power of positive storytelling and finding real champions in the target audiences to help make real change.
We work with multicultural audiences to ensure equal access to information and we do focus groups to ensure our call to action and key messages resonate with our target audience. We produce quality content and media for maximum engagement due to our hard work in understanding the communities we are producing content for. We reach the hardest to reach audiences and are regularly employed by Government to do so.
We believe in producing content for all people and often tell stories less unknown. We ask why and produce stories which are well researched with clarity and conviction. If you are passionate about what you are trying to achieve, for good, we hope to work with you.
Sandra Pires is an independent filmmaker and the driving force behind Why Documentaries, a production initiative dedicated to telling socially conscious, historically rich, and relevant stories that are often missing from the mainstream narrative.
With a background in community media, social justice advocacy, and historical research, Sandra brings a unique voice to the documentary landscape in Australia. Her films are grounded in deep inquiry, always asking why—why events happened the way they did, why certain voices were silenced, and why these stories still matter today.
Sandra’s work is best known for shining a light on the struggles and resilience of working-class Australians. Her acclaimed documentaries include:
Beneath Black Skies (History Channel) – an exploration of the history of the Illawarra coalfields.
The Dalfram Dispute 1938: Pig Iron Bob (History Channel, CCTV China) – a compelling account of dockworkers in Port Kembla who took a moral stand against fascism in the lead-up to World War II.
These films not only document historical events but also connect them to contemporary issues of community identity through stories of international significance.
Sandra believes in the power of film to create dialogue, preserve untold histories, and challenge audiences to rethink the world around them. Her approach combines rigorous research with authentic storytelling—often collaborating closely with communities, historians, and families whose lives are directly impacted by the events she covers.
With over 25 years of experience producing professional documentaries, Sandra also creates social media awareness campaigns, short-form video content, and powerful, issue-driven short documentaries.
Through Why Documentaries, she continues to champion independent storytelling that is thoughtful, fearless, and driven by a deep respect for truth, equality, and human dignity.
Australia Day Medal, Wollongong City Council – for her work with students and refugees, and for founding Screen Illawarra, a screen organisation supporting practitioners in the region.
IMB Community Hero Award – for her outstanding work producing content with multicultural audiences.
Meet OUR FOUNDER
SANDRA Pires Founder
Contact us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!
Location
2/324 Crown St, Wollongong NSW 2500