“Journey Home, David Gulpilil” tells of a homecoming. Announced as the 2025 Darwin International Film Festival’s opening pick, the documentary itself is now making a return voyage.
Directed by Maggie Miles and Trisha Morton-Thomas, the film charts iconic Australian actor David Gulpilil’s journey back to the Northern Territory after his passing in 2021, in order for his spirit to rest on his Homeland. The trip began in Murray Bridge in South Australia, then ventured more than 4,500 kilometres via Darwin to Gupulul in Arnhem Land, including travelling by vehicles, boats, both planes and helicopter, and by foot — and also navigating the logistical challenges posed by northern Australia’s wet season.
Gulpilil’s family promised the Yolŋu talent, who was a dancer living in Arnhem Land’s Arafura Swamp before he was cast in Nicolas Roeg’s 1971 film “Walkabout,” that they would lay him to rest in Gupulul. He also requested that the whole world be invited to his funeral. The First Nations acting great’s relatives then asked a film crew to record the journey and ceremony, providing rare access to Aboriginal land and to cultural events that aren’t normally seen by the public.
Hugh Jackman and Yolngu hip-hop artist Baker Boy narrate “Journey Home, David Gulpilil,” which had its world premiere at the 2025 Sydney Film Festival, and is also set to screen at the Melbourne International Film Festival and CinefestOZ in Western Australia.
DIFF’s fitting launch film will kick off the festival at Darwin’s Deckchair Cinema on Thursday, September 11, starting a lineup that will span 11 days, five venues and 35 sessions until Sunday, September 21. At opening night, Gulpilil’s family and the film team will also be in attendance, including Morton-Thomas, Miles, producer Rachel Clements, Gulpilil’s eldest son Jida and his oldest grandson Lloyd Garrawurra.
Joyce Malakuya Malibirr, who is Gulpilil’s eldest niece, will also be present at DIFF’s opening-night session, as will Rirratjingu clan ceremony leader and Yothu Yindi co-founder man Witiyana Marika, plus Peter Murrkiltja Guyula and Alfred Yangipuy Wanambi. All are executive producers on the film.
To celebrate Gulpilil’s impact, the festival is also inviting representatives of the next generation of Indigenous actors, dancers, singers, artists and teachers to share stories at the event.
Set to reach cinemas in general release on Thursday, October 30, 2025, “Journey Home, David Gulpilil” joins 2002’s “Gulpilil: One Red Blood” and 2021’s “My Name Is Gulpilil” in paying tribute to the “Mad Dog Morgan,” “The Last Wave,” “Crocodile Dundee,” “Dark Age,” “Rabbit-Proof Fence,” “The Tracker,” “Ten Canoes,” “Australia,” “Satellite Boy,” “Charlie’s Country” and “Goldstone” star on-screen.