The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts announced the nominations for best documentary on Tuesday.

AACTA members selected the feature-length documentaries from a field of 19, and five of the nominated films are about women.

Each canvases people who experience and transcend barriers to fulfil their passions and remain true to themselves.

Directed by Matthew Walker, 'I'm Wanita' follows the talented but troubled Australian honky-tonk singer Wanita Bahtiyar as she realises her dream of recording an album in Nashville while dealing with her inner demons.

"I'm Wanita was made by a whole lot of lovely people, a unique collaboration," Walker said.

"I'm very grateful that our peers have honoured our film like this."

'When the Camera Stopped Rolling' focuses on director Jane Castle's late mother, Australian filmmaker Lilias Fraser, and their complicated relationship.

In the film, Castle, who has worked for many years as a cinematographer, says she pursued her profession "to get closer to mum - and it wasn't working".

"We're excited to be one of the nominees ... in such a competitive field," producer Pat Fiske said.

"It's a deeply layered film that honours trailblazing Australian filmmaker Lilias Fraser."

'Girls Can't Surf' celebrates the pioneering wave of Australian and American female surfers from the 1980s and 1990s who forged a path for others to follow.

Directed by Christopher Nelius, it features candid interviews with former world champions including Jodie Cooper, Frieda Zamba, Pauline Menczer, Lisa Andersen, Pam Burridge, Wendy Botha and Layne Beachley.

"To see the impact Girls Can't Surf has been having on audiences since its release this year has been incredibly emotional for the filmmakers and ... for the wonderful 'She-roes' who star in the film too," Nelius and producer Michaela Perske said.

In 'My Name Is Gulpilil', acclaimed Indigenous Australian actor, dancer, storyteller and artist David Gulpilil meditates on his eventful life and 50-year career, from Walkabout and Storm Boy in the 1970s to Rabbit-Proof Fence and The Tracker in the 2000s and Charlie's Country in 2013.

Directed by Molly Reynolds, the film was produced by Peter Djigirr and Rolf de Heer, the latter of whom directed Gulpilil in The Tracker and Charlie's Country - both of which won him best actor awards.

Long-time shark conservationist, photographer and filmmaker Valerie Taylor is the irrepressible subject of 'Playing with Sharks'.

Director Sally Aitken's documentary utilises remastered film footage shot by Taylor, now 85, and her late husband, diver and filmmaker Ron Taylor, over a 50-year period.

"We're thrilled this AACTA nomination not only recognises Valerie Taylor's remarkable story but also, crucially, her most fervent wish of preserving the ocean that sustains all life, including our own," Aitken said.

In 'Strong Female Lead', director Tosca Looby unpacks the misogyny and male privilege behind the sustained attacks on Julia Gillard during her time as Australia's first female prime minister.

"This film is about power and leadership in Australia and what happens when a woman makes it to the top job," Looby said.

"We've made it for every young woman and girl in this country who aspires to lead and lead well."

AACTA CEO Damien Trewhella said each of the nominated documentaries told a unique story.

"The nominees are a combination of inspiring, compelling and thought-provoking. You won't want to miss these incredible stories," he said.

Round two of voting will decide the winner, to be announced at the 2021 AACTA Awards, for which a date is yet to be confirmed.

All AACTA members, professional and general, can vote on the nominees and winners across all major award categories.

Nominations for short-form awards will be announced on August 26, and major TV and film awards on October 28.

Australian Associated Press