Retired player Tim Coenraad during filming of Hard Work. Photo: Supplied.
The story behind the Illawarra Hawks could reach a global audience, with a major streaming platform expressing interest in the documentary Hard Work: The Illawarra Hawks Story just as it enters post-production.
During six months of filming across the Illawarra and beyond, the feature-length documentary has captured the journey of the National Basketball League’s only remaining foundation club from its inception in 1979, taking it from the Snakepit grandstands to WIN Entertainment Centre.
The documentary culminates in the club’s long-awaited 2025 championship triumph, which was only its second NBL championship and its first on home soil.
Producers have now confirmed that a major streaming platform has provided a letter of intent to distribute the documentary across broadcast and streaming channels, signalling strong interest in the story.
Director Keean Murrell-Snape said the film went far beyond basketball.
“This isn’t just a sports documentary,” Keean said.
“It’s a story about survival, identity and community.
“The Hawks have endured where others haven’t, and that says something powerful about the Illawarra and the people behind the club.”
The production includes more than 70 hours of interviews with 37 former and current players, coaches, staff, fans and community members, capturing the grit, resilience and deep community connection that has defined the Hawks for more than four decades.
Executive producer and cinematographer Gerardo Ceres said the scale of the project reflected the significance of the story.
Illawarra Hawks head coach Justin Tatum during filming of the documentary Hard Work. Photo: Supplied.
“We’ve uncovered an incredible archive of vision and personal stories that bring this club’s history to life,” Gerardo said.
“For an independent production, it’s been a huge undertaking, but one we believe is worth telling properly.”
Produced by Bottega Films, with Relativity Films as production partner, Hard Work blends past and present, weaving together historic moments with contemporary voices.
The film retraces the entire history of the club from formation through to the Illawarra Hawks’ rise onto the global basketball stage.
That came in the arrival of championship coach Justin Tatum, along with former Hawks players such as LaMelo Ball and Lachie Olbrich progressing to international careers.
A pivotal part of that story is also the fans’ passion and dedication, with many Hawkheads contributing moments and momentos to the film.
Now focused on finalising the documentary, the production team is working through editing, sound design, colour grading and original score composition.
A series of screenings is planned this year, including a premiere in the Illawarra for participants, partners and supporters, alongside national and international film festival submissions.
Supporters and fans are encouraged to get behind the final stages of the project through the film’s patron campaign or by contacting the team directly via email at [email protected]
Contributions will assist with post-production and help bring Hard Work to the screen.
