Acclaimed NT actor, David Gulpilil, remembered in special showing for DIFF

A powerful new documentary recounting the late David Gulpilil’s final journey home will open Darwin International Film Festival in September.

The feature ‘Journey Home, David Gulpilil’ will open Darwin International Film Festival. Picture: Miles Rowland

A new documentary on the late legendary Yolngu actor, David Gulpilil Ridjimiraril Dalaithngu, will open this year’s Darwin International Film Festival.

The renowned traditional dancer, acclaimed storyteller and painter was known for starring in dozens of TV shows and films including Crocodile Dundee, Storm Boy and Rabbit-Proof Fence.

A proud Yolŋu man of the Mandhalpungu clan, David Gulpilil always enjoyed sharing his culture and did not want that to end after his death in 2021.

In respect of his wishes, his family invited a film crew to record his funeral, his Bäpurru, following the intimate ceremony that laid David’s spirit to rest on Marwuyu homelands.

David Gulpilil in 'Australia'. Picture: supplied.

The feature ‘Journey Home, David Gulpilil’ will be shown on Darwin International Film Festival’s (DIFF) opening night on September 11.

Narrated by Hugh Jackman with cultural storytelling by Danzal Baker, also known as ‘Baker Boy’, the film is filled with humour, deep emotion and rich culture and offers a unique insight into the life of David outside of the spotlight.

A number of family and friends were involved in the production and will be attending the NT premiere including directors Maggie Miles and Trisha Morton-Thomas and producers Rachel Clements, eldest son Jida Gulpilil and eldest grandson Lloyd Garrawurra.

Darwin International Film Festival 2025

The film will mark the start to this year’s 11-day Darwin International Film Festival.

This year the festival is presented by the Darwin Film Society, NT Government Community Benefit Fund, NT Major Events and Screen Territory.

However the full festival program will not be unveiled until Thursday July 31 for a special launch event.

The festival program launch event will be held at Deckchair Cinema in Darwin. Picture: Hannah Seward

Hosted at Darwin’s Deckchair Cinema, DIFF festival manager Erin Lucas will reveal the special guests, feature films, documentaries and shorts set to grace the screens and stages across five venues and 35 sessions during the festival.

Jennie Hughes, Screen Territory director, will also detail some of the industry “heavyweights” arriving in the Top End for the NT Screen Summit which celebrates a year of NT screen production on 20 and 21 September.

This will be followed by the showing of the award-winning coming-of-age tale DJ Ahmet.

The film centres on the journey of a 15-year-old boy called Ahmet from a remote Yuruk village in North Macedonia, who finds refuge in music while navigating his father’s expectations, a conservative community and his first romantic love.

Minister for Tourism and Hospitality and Major Events, Marie-Clare Boothby, said the festival was a chance to celebrate Territory creatives, storytelling and culture.

Northern Territory Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby. Picture: Fia Walsh.

“There’s something special about watching films while sitting under the stars at an outdoor cinema, and DIFF gives us a chance to celebrate those stories – including feature films from the NT, Australia and around the world,” said Ms Boothby.

“Our screen sector delivers real jobs, global exposure, and economic return for the NT, while supporting local talent, jobs, and homegrown productions – creating more opportunities for Territorians, and more reasons for visitors and producers to choose the Territory.”

Tickets for the Darwin International Film Festival from 11 to 21 September, including the new 10-session flexipasses, are now on sale.

Originally published as Acclaimed NT actor, David Gulpilil, remembered in special showing for DIFF