Songlines

Murujuga holds the world’s largest collection of ancient rock art, yet industrial expansion continues on its doorstep, with surrounding industrial developments projected to lock in billions of tonnes of acidic greenhouse gas emissions.

Raelene’s story reflects the challenges Custodians are facing across the nation, as oil and gas projects continue to advance at enormous cost to the environment and the rights of First Peoples – restricting access to Country and cultural practices, destroying sacred sites, and placing immense pressure on those who resist.

Through Raelene Cooper’s story, the film brings urgent truth-telling to screen, amplifying calls for stronger protections for Country and government to better uphold First Peoples’ right to free, prior and informed consent.

Songlines is a catalyst for change that seeks to spark a national conversation about Australia’s relationship with mining and the protection of First Nations cultural heritage.

Through intimate access to Raelene’s fight, the film shines a light on the failures of current environment and heritage laws, inviting audiences to question whether current systems fairly balance economic interests with the rights of Traditional Owners.

Beyond awareness, the project aims to mobilise audiences to engage in conversations, community screenings, and advocacy efforts that support stronger protections for cultural heritage and uphold First Peoples’ right to free, prior and informed consent.

The film contributes to the broader truth-telling movement, with Raelene’s story modelling a pathway for other Traditional Custodians and environmental movements resisting extractive industries. It provides evidence and testimony to support reform in heritage and environmental governance, while serving as an educational and advocacy tool for policymakers, NGOs, universities, and climate justice groups.

Songlines is a co-designed project with Raelene Cooper, who is both the film’s central participant, co-producer and cultural collaborator, ensuring the documentary remains a self-determined and authentic representation of her story, Country and culture.

Director Quentin Curzon and Producer Kelly Warden began collaborating with Raelene during Murujuga’s UNESCO World Heritage nomination process in 2025, and have since continued filming alongside her across key moments of the campaign. Extended time spent with Raelene and her family in Karratha has shaped an approach grounded in trust, shared authorship and long-term collaboration.

The film’s development has taken place under Raelene’s guidance, with support from her family and members of the Mardathoonera community. Filming occurs under the cultural authority of Raelene and her son Mark Clifton – a Mardathoonera lore man and contributor to the film – ensuring access to and representation of Country adhere to cultural protocols.

Raelene’s campaign is supported by a broad network of scientists, political representatives, environmental organisations and fellow Custodians working to protect Murujuga. While formal film impact partnerships are still in development, these relationships demonstrate the wide community invested in supporting Raelene’s story as the project moves toward production.

Calls to action will be refined in consultation with community and partners as production progresses.