Roger Scholes (1950 – 2022) was an Australian filmmaker who worked in a variety of genres, including drama, documentary, and community education. He was a versatile and skilled filmmaker who won numerous awards for his work, including four critics’ prizes at the Venice Film Festival for his film THE TALE OF RUBY ROSE (1987).

Scholes began his career in the 1970s, working as a cinematographer and editor on a number of short films and documentaries. In the 1980s, he began directing his own films, starting with the short film THE FRANKLIN RIVER BLOCKADE (1982). His first feature film, THE TALE OF RUBY ROSE (1987), was a critical and commercial success.

In the 1990s, Scholes continued to direct award-winning films, including THE COOLBAROO CLUB (1996), which won the Human Rights Award for Media, and THE HUMAN JOURNEY (1998), which won the Eureka Prize for Science Media. He also directed a number of popular television documentaries, including STORIES FROM THE STONE AGE (2000), LAST PORT OF CALL and FUTURE SHACK (2006).

Scholes’s work was characterised by its diversity and social impact. He was interested in exploring a wide range of themes, including environmentalism and Aboriginal history. His films were often critical of social injustice and inequality, and they often had a strong educational component.

Scholes was a highly accomplished filmmaker who made significant contributions to the Australian film industry. His work will be remembered for its quality, diversity, and social impact.

Scholes’s death in 2022 was a major loss to the Australian film industry. He was a talented filmmaker and a dedicated educator who inspired and mentored many young people. His work will continue to be enjoyed by audiences for many years to come.