Social impact documentary Songlines receives Brian Beaton Award
The gripping feature documentary from Quentin Curzon, Kelly Warden and Raelene Cooper will receive a funding grant of up to $20,000 and mentor support, in honour of esteemed late documentary producer Brian Beaton.
Screenwest is pleased to announce Western Australian social impact documentary, Songlines is the recipient of the highly regarded Brian Beaton Award.
The Brian Beaton Award recognises the valuable contribution esteemed late documentary producer Brian Beaton made to the Western Australian screen industry.
It honours his memory by awarding a grant of up to $20,000 and mentor support to a Western Australian social impact project that needs further support to reach its full potential.
Songlines is a feature documentary directed by Quentin Curzon and produced by Kelly Warden, which follows Mardathoonera woman Raelene Cooper as she embarks on a quest to save the world’s oldest stories, sacred rock art that has endured for over 50,000 years.
This gripping feature documentary follows Raelene’s journey from the red dust of Country to the fluorescent corridors of courts, government offices, and the United Nations.
Along the way, she gathers a growing circle of allies, including scientists, politicians, environmentalists, and fellow Custodians, united by a shared belief that Culture and Country must be protected at all costs.
“Congratulations to the Songlines team for their ongoing tenacity and commitment to bring this important documentary to the screen – matched by the tenacity and commitment of Raelene Cooper to save her Country, Murujuga from powerful mining interests. The intimate access to Raelene’s fight shines a light on how Australia manages both its cultural inheritance and its global relevance,” said Celia Tait, Brian Beaton Award Co-Founder.
“It’s an honour to show people the beauty of this spiritual, powerful and sacred place, that me and my family are fighting for. This award recognises the hard work of our whole team and the many people standing with us to protect our Ngurra. Songlines comes from ancient songs, ancient stories, ancient knowledge, from ancient culture from the beginning of time. It’s about truth telling – and I’m proud to see my story supported by the WA screen industry. There’s a lot in the pipeline for 2026 – keep an eye out!” said Raelene Cooper.
“Like many across the country, we have been deeply inspired by Raelene’s David and Goliath battle to protect sacred Country, culture, and the climate in the face of expanding fossil fuel projects. We are proud to be working alongside Rae to produce this film and grateful for Screenwest’s support at this crucial stage as we move toward production. We thank Mr Beaton’s family for continuing to support social justice storytelling in Western Australia and are honoured to contribute to his legacy,” said Quentin Curzon and Kelly Warden.
Since its inception in 2018, the Brian Beaton Award has led to a number of exciting outcomes for its recipients. Sam Lara and Cathy Henkel’s Laura’s Choice won the inaugural Hot Docs prize at the 2020 Australian International Documentary Conference and premiered as a two-part series on the ABC. Jane Hammond’s Black Cockatoo Crisis won the Change Award at the 2023 Adelaide Film Festival before making its broadcast premiere on SBS and NITV. Taryne Laffar and Sam Field’s Our Law was expanded from a 27-minute film into two seasons of television for NITV.
Adam Beaton and Celia Tait presenting Raelene Cooper, Kelly Warden and Quentin Curzon with a peace dove sculpture generously donated by Brian’s cousin – renowned Fremantle-based sculptor, Greg James. Photographer: Liang Xu.