Screenwest has honored the social impact documentary Songlines with the 2025 Brian Beaton Award. The organization also announced Jamey Claffey and Kara Pisconeri as recipients of the Bill Warnock Talent Accelerator and the Screenwest Producer Talent Accelerator, respectively.

Directed by Quentin Curzon and produced by Kelly Warden, Songlines follows Raelene Cooper, a Mardathoonera woman, on her mission to preserve the world’s oldest stories and sacred rock art, which have survived for over 50,000 years. Cooper’s journey brings together scientists, politicians, environmentalists, and fellow Custodians, all committed to protecting Culture and Country.

The creative team behind Songlines will receive up to $20,000 in funding and mentorship as part of the Brian Beaton Award, established in 2018 to honor the late documentary producer’s contributions to Western Australia’s screen industry. Award co-founder Celia Tait praised the documentary for highlighting Australia’s approach to cultural heritage and its global significance through Cooper’s story. “Congratulations to the Songlines team for their dedication to bringing this important documentary to the screen, mirroring Raelene Cooper’s determination to protect Murujuga from powerful mining interests,” Tait said.

Cooper expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the collective effort to protect Ngurra. “It’s an honor to showcase the beauty of this spiritual, powerful, and sacred place that my family is fighting for,” she said. “Songlines is rooted in ancient songs, stories, and knowledge. It’s about truth-telling, and I’m proud to see my story supported by the WA screen industry. There’s much more to come in 2026—stay tuned.”

Curzon and Warden shared their appreciation for Screenwest’s support at a pivotal stage in the film’s production. “We have been deeply inspired by Raelene’s efforts to protect sacred Country, culture, and the climate against expanding fossil fuel projects. We are honored to contribute to Brian Beaton’s legacy and thank his family for supporting social justice storytelling in Western Australia.”

Previous Brian Beaton Award recipients include Hard As Puck (Isaac Elliott), Black Cockatoo Crisis (Jane Hammond), Our Law (Taryne Laffar and Sam Bodhi Field), 29 Years Eight Days (Brooke Silcox and Mat de Koning), and Laura’s Choice (Sam Lara and Cathy Henkel).

The announcement also highlighted the recipients of the Bill Warnock Talent Accelerator and Screenwest Producer Talent Accelerator. Jamey Claffey and Kara Pisconeri will each receive up to $100,000 to advance their professional development and screen projects, with $80,000 allocated for professional growth and $20,000 for project development over the next year.

Claffey, a screenwriter and consultant with experience at Audible, Fremantle, Dreamchaser, Left Bank Pictures, and the BBC, expressed her excitement about the opportunity. “The accelerator initiative will be transformative for my career. The placement will help me refine my screenwriting skills and gain experience on a prestige drama series, while the travel fund will expand my creative network at conferences in Australia and the UK. I look forward to building a sustainable, full-time career as a Western Australian screenwriter during this exciting period for the industry.”

The late Bill Warnock (1934–2001) was a respected playwright, screenwriter, novelist, poet, and activist who played a key role in securing funding for the Festival of Perth and Screenwest. His son, Adam Warnock, described Claffey as “an absolute powerhouse” and expressed pride in being associated with the award.

Kara Pisconeri, founder of Hidden Aces Entertainment, looks forward to learning from experienced producers and building international connections. “The next year will be focused on understanding co-productions and developing projects with talented emerging WA creatives. This opportunity truly expands what’s possible for my slate, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.”

Disclaimer: This article has been auto-generated from a syndicated RSS feed and has not been edited by Vitrina staff. It is provided solely for informational purposes on a non-commercial basis.