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The Screen Guide

Australia’s most renowned Indigenous actor, Yolŋu man David Gulpilil, passed away in South Australia in 2021. His dying wish was to be laid to rest at the place of his birth, his Homeland of Gupulul in Arnhem Land. David lived a tribal existence in Arnhem Land’s Arafura Swamp before his acting debut in ‘Walkabout’. David was Australia’s first Indigenous actor to blaze a trail internationally and deftly navigated two-worlds, yet the deeper side of his culture was rarely in the spotlight. Here, his family take on the huge logistical challenge of fulfilling David’s request, spanning over four thousand kilometres and across many months. From the first ceremony led by Rirratjingu leader Witiyana Marika, the incredible access granted to the filmmakers provides rare insight into Yolŋu culture. This final chapter of David Gulpilil’s story is a remarkable homecoming, showing cultural custodians invoking ancestral Djan’kawu sisters to mark the spot for his grave, and clan leaders enacting timeless Songcycles to guide his spirit safely back to the sacred waterhole known as Marawuyu.

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Cast

Joyce Malakuya Malibirr - Witiyana Marika - Lloyd Garrawurra - Alfred Yangipuy Wanambi - Peter Guyula - Yirrmal Marila -

Production Details

Production Completion
2025
Genre
Art and culture, History and national identity, Social contemporary
Production Company
Savage Films Pty Ltd  Brindle Films Pty Ltd

Sales

Australian Sales
Madman Entertainment Pty Ltd

Screen Australia Supported

  • Development support
  • Production support

Selected Awards & Festivals