Australian producer Jan Chapman will be awarded this year's prestigious Chauvel Award for her outstanding contribution to local filmmaking. The award will be presented as part of the Brisbane International Film Festival, which begins on July 9.

"Her commitment to producing exceptional Australian drama has long been acknowledged in the Australian film and television industry and she is revered as one of Australia's most talent producers today," said Brisbane City Councillor David Hinchliffe at the launch of the festival.

Chapman's most recent film was last year's critical and commercial hit Lantana, directed by Ray Lawrence. She worked in television before producing her first feature The Piano, which was directed by Jane Campion. The pair later also made Holy Smoke. She has also produced two films with Shirley Barrett, Love Serenade and Walk The Talk.

The Piano was the first Australian film to win the Palme d'Or at Cannes, while Love Serenade won the Camera d'Or.