Raelene’s quest to save sacred rock art wins Screenwest award
Songlines, a gripping documentary of a woman’s quest to save the world’s oldest sacred rock art stories has won Screenwest’s Brian Beaton Award for its contribution to the Western Australian screen industry.
The award of a grant up to $20,000 is for 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 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,” Brian Beaton Award Co-Founder Celia Tait said.
David and Goliath battle
“The intimate access to Raelene’s fight shines a light on how Australia manages both its cultural inheritance and its global relevance.”
Ms Cooper said she was proud to see her story supported by the WA screen industry.
“It’s an honour to show people the beauty of this spiritual, powerful and sacred place, that me and my family are fighting for,” she said.
“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.”
Director Quentin Curzon and producer Kelly Warden said they were 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,” they said.
Previous winners
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 Lawwas expanded from a 27-minute film into two seasons of television for NITV.
- Image: 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. Photo: Liang Xu.
