The remarkable Australian documentary film on the history of the Wonthaggi coal mine in Victoria has won another major international prize.

'Black Gold, Kindred Spirits' won third place in the world's largest festival for independently produced film and video programs. The award was announced last month and will be presented this month at the US International Film and Video Festival in Chicago.

Produced, directed and co-written by Jeff Bird, 'Black Gold, Kindred Spirits' documents the 58 year history of the State owned Wonthaggi coal mine.

The CFMEU Mining & Energy Division was a major sponsor of the project and general president John Maitland congrautalted Jeff Bird on his achievements. "This latest award follows the Gold Award Jeff won at the 4th Annual Charleston International Film festival held last year in the United States. Jeff's 'Black gold, Kindred Spirits' beat a field of 1,450 entries from 23 countries to win.