David Dalaithngu Gulpilil’s death in 2021 was the beginning of a journey home to his birthplace Gupulul in Arnhem Land. His Bäpurru (funeral ceremony) is a celebration of law, of country, of tradition, of kinship, of ceremony. Journey Home, David Gulpilil offers a rare glimpse into the strong culture that lives on in the heart of his people.




Journey Home, David Gulpilil
Director
Runtime
88 Minutes
Country
Australia
Classification
Unclassified 15+
David Dalaithngu Gulpilil AM occupies a strong place in the hearts of South Australian audiences: from Storm Boy (1976) to Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002), to his astonishing body of work with Rolf de Heer, and his inaugural AFF Don Dunstan Award in 2003. His death in 2021 in Murray Bridge at 68 after a long illness, was a beginning of sorts: a journey home to country, to his birthplace in Arnhem Land.
Gulpilil navigated two worlds, walking red carpets while remaining grounded in red earth. His return to Yolŋu land for burial was a huge logistical challenge spanning over four and a half thousand kilometres by planes, cars, boats, on foot, and by helicopter, and across many months waiting for the right seasonal conditions. It is a journey you will surely remember, culminating in a Bäpurru, a funeral which becomes a celebration of law, of country, of tradition, of kinship, of ceremony. Journey Home, David Gulpilil offers a rare glimpse into the strong culture that lives on in the heart of his people.
Film Credits
Director
Maggie Miles & Trisha Morton-Thomas
Year
2025
Country
Australia
Language
English & Yolŋu Matha
Subtitles
English
Type
Documentary & Feature
Program Strand
World Documentary
Producer
Rachel Clements, Jida Gulpilil, Lloyd Garrawurra, Trisha Morton-Thomas & Maggie Miles
Writer
Maggie Miles & Trisha Morton-Thomas
Cinematographer
Allan Collins & Anna Cadden
Editor
Bill Murphy
Music
David Bridie
Film Source
Madman Entertainment
Genre
BIPOC, Family & First Nations
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