Filmmakers, NT government and family to honor David Gulpilil’s final journey together

The poignant final journey of beloved Indigenous actor, David Gulpilil, as he returns to his birthplace in Eastern Arnhem Land to become film.

EMBARGO FOR TWAM 21 SEP 2019 David Gulpilil in 'Australia' pic ; supplied

A new documentary, that follows the journey of celebrated Indigenous actor, singer and artist David Gulpilil’s journey home to his birthplace after his death in 2021, is set to be filmed and produced in the Northern Territory.

The NT Government is investing $150,000 into the documentary as part of a push to continue growing the screen industry in the Territory that will create jobs and help strengthen the local economy.

David Gulpilil Rinydjimirrilil Dhalthangu was a a Yolŋu man of the Mandhalpungu clan who starred in films including Crocodile Dundee and Rabbit-Proof Fence, and was a renowned traditional dancer and acclaimed storyteller and painter.

David Gulpilil in the film Goldstone. Picture: Supplied

Gulpilil died in 2021 in South Australia, which led to his body being transferred to Marwuyu homelands near the Arafura Swamp and remote community of Ramingining, Eastern Arnhem Land where a Bapurru ceremony was performed.

Gulpilil’s eldest son, Jida, said his father wanted to share his final journey home with the world leading to the documentary, Journey Home - David Gulpilil.

“My father took our Yolŋu culture and introduced our people to the world,” he said.

“Once he became a movie star he walked between two worlds, but in the end, we brought him back to Gulpulul, to fulfil his final wishes.

“He also wanted to share that part of his story with the world, and we’re doing this, through this documentary.”

Actor David Gulpilil in 2002 film Rabbit Proof Fence. Picture: Supplied

The production of the documentary is expected to inject at least $480,000 into the local economy through employment opportunities and goods and services as well as showcase East Arnhem Land and Indigenous culture to viewers.

Chief minister Eva Lawler said the government was happy to get behind the local filmmaking industry.

“Supporting productions like Journey Home –David Gulpilil, is integral to growing our local screen industry,” she said.

“It’s creating work for local businesses and opportunities for local screen practitioners here in the NT as well as supporting our incredible storytellers and creative talents.”

The documentary is being produced by NT production companies Savage Films NT and Brindle Films and is being directed by Maggie Miles and Trisha Morton-Thomas.

The pair said it was an honour to be involved in the project.

Maggie Miles is one half of the directing duo. Picture: File

Trisha Morton Thomas is the other half. Picture: File

“Following the journey of the late David Gulpilil as he was welcomed back by his loving family, who battled huge logistical challenges to return him to his homeland, has been an extraordinary journey for us,” they said.

“We are so proud to be working with his family to share with the world the final chapter of his incredible story.”

Journey Home - David Gulpilil will be distributed in cinemas nationally by Madman Entertainment and will broadcast on NITV in late 2024.