The word trailblazer finds a lot of use, but it’s rarely so relevant as when discussing the late David Gulpilil. Gulpilil was born and raised in Arafura Swamp, deep inside Arnhem Land, but when he died in 2021, he died an internationally recognised actor and Australia’s most famous First Nations actor.
Now, the film that chronicles the fulfilment of his last wish — to be buried in his homeland — is a month away from coming to Australian theatres. Narrated by Hugh Jackman and Baker Boy and directed by Maggie Miles and Trisha Morton-Thomas, “Journey Home, David Gulpilil” charts his remains’ journey back to the Northern Territory after his passing and is set to release on Thursday, October 30.
Gulpilil’s journey home began in Murray Bridge in South Australia, spanning over 4,500 kilometres via Darwin to Gupulul in Arnhem Land, including travel by vehicles, boats, planes and helicopters, and by foot, while also navigating the logistical issues brought on by terrain challenges and northern Australia’s wet season.
Not only did Gulpilil wish to be interred in the earth of his homeland, but he also wished for the whole world to be invited to his funeral. Thanks to his wishes, audiences across the country will witness the Yolŋu people’s sacred practices, as a film crew followed and recorded the entire journey, with his funeral hosting ancestral Djan’kawu sisters to mark the spot for his grave, and clan leaders to enact song cycles to guide his spirit safely back to the place of its beginning.
The remarkable homecoming premiered first at Sydney Film Festival 2025, before screening at Melbourne International Film Festival, CinefestOZ and the Darwin International Film Festival, chronicling the epic journey, celebrating his life and exploring Yolŋu culture like never seen on-screen before.
David Gulpilil’s acting debut was in Nicholas Roeg’s “Walkabout,” released in 1971. He would go on to star in a myriad of classic Australian films and international projects, including “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.”