by FilmInk Staff
‘SONGS INSIDE’, AWARD WINNING FEATURE DOCUMENTARY ABOUT INCARCERATED WOMEN AND THE POWER OF MUSIC, IS COMING TO CINEMAS THROUGHOUT NOVEMBER
The compelling feature-length film ‘Songs Inside’, chronicling the transformative journey of a small group of women from the Adelaide Women’s Prison who discover the healing power of music through songwriting, singing, and the ukulele, continues its national momentum with theatrical screenings and QnAs.
Fresh from winning Australia’s biggest film prize at CinefestOZ in WA, the Documentary Australia Award, at Sydney Film Festival 2025, and its international premiere at the Virginia Film Festival in Virginia, USA, ‘Songs Inside’, will host special event screenings and Q&A sessions across capital city and regional centres, attended by the filmmakers as well as the Songbirds (Ex-prisoners who took part in the musical program), who are continuing to make a profound impact on audiences across the country.
The upcoming theatrical screenings mark the final opportunity for audiences to experience the film in cinemas, alongside the remarkable community that has formed since its sold-out premiere at the 2024 Adelaide Film Festival.
This compelling feature-length film chronicles the transformative journey of a small group of women from the Adelaide Women’s Prison who, over six months, discover the healing power of music through songwriting, singing, and playing the ukulele. As the creative process unfolds, it unearths profound struggles with trauma and addiction, demonstrating that even within the complexities of prison life, music can serve as a universal force for healing and hope.
Led by Barkindji singer-songwriter Nancy Bates, their journey culminates in an historic performance – the largest concert ever staged within an Australian prison—featuring the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and an audience of over 200 inmates and special guests.
“As a filmmaker I was granted unprecedented access by the Adelaide Women’s Prison to film in all areas of the prison. This allowed me to completely immerse myself in the prison environment and develop intense, meaningful and trusting relationships with those involved.” Said filmmaker Shalom Almond.
“The result is a shockingly honest insight into the complex lives of women in prison and the transformative power that music can have on their futures. The stories of the women I followed are woven together to create an urgent, complex and compassionate portrait of incarcerated women today.”
Songs Inside has been recognised across Australia’s premier film festivals, earning acclaim for its unparalleled depiction of the lived experiences of women in prison today.
Accolades include:
Winner – Audience Award, Adelaide Film Festival 2024
Winner – Documentary Australia Award, Sydney Film Festival 2025
Winner – Film Prize, CinefestOz WA, September 2025
The Live Performance set in the Adelaide Women’s Prison featuring Nancy Bates, Song Birds and the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra will be available from December 1 on all the streaming platforms where good music is found. All the proceeds from the downloads will go directly to the Song Birds.
SONGS INSIDE EVENT SCREENINGS
Tickets for all events available from: www.songsinside.com.au/screenings
Tuesday Nov 18 – 6.00pm @ Palace Nova, Adelaide
FINAL Adelaide Screening Q&A with filmmakers and Songbirds
Sunday Nov 23 – 2.00pm @ Dendy, Newtown
Screening Q&A with filmmakers and Songbirds
Monday Nov 24 – 6.30pm @ The Orpheum, Sydney
Screening Q&A with filmmakers and Songbirds
Tuesday Nov 25 – 6.30pm @ New Farm Cinemas, Brisbane
Screening Q&A with filmmakers and Songbirds
Saturday Nov 29 – 3.30pm @ Lido Cinemas, Melbourne
Screening Q&A with filmmakers and Songbirds
Sunday Nov 30 – 6.30pm @ Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
Screening Q&A with filmmakers and Songbirds
