DAVID GULPILIL’S FINAL JOURNEY HONOURED ON SCREEN IN POWERFUL DOCUMENTARY
BY CAMILIA SAMSON AND ASAD KHAN
The story of legendary Yolŋu actor David Gulpilil’s return to his ancestral homeland for burial is now being shared with audiences around the country through the moving new documentary Journey Home, David Gulpilil.
Currently screening at the Sydney Film Festival and heading to Melbourne next, the film chronicles the complex, sacred journey to repatriate Gulpilil’s body from Murray Bridge, South Australia, to Gupulul — his birthplace near the Arafura Swamp and Ramingining in Arnhem Land.
Speaking with Ngaarda Media, Director of Photography Allan Collins, a proud Indigenous filmmaker, described the work as more than a tribute to one man.
“It’s also about culture. Ultimately, it’s how we respect our elders and how we look after them,” he said.
Filming in Gulpilil’s homeland posed significant logistical and cultural challenges.
“There’s no running water, no power. It’s remote, surrounded by one of the biggest crocodile rivers in the world,” Mr Collins said.
But for him, the ceremony was also a powerful cultural immersion.
“In one sense it’s hard, and in another sense it’s easy — because it is our culture, it is who we are and where we come from.”
The Yolŋu burial ceremony, captured on film with permission from Gulpilil’s family and elders, marks a rare and sacred moment seldom shown publicly.
He emphasised that he was only invited to film because of years of respectful work with Yolŋu communities.
“It matters what we do. People recognise over the years that maybe we can trust this bloke,” he said.
“This is very sacred stuff that is not usually put on film.”
He also reflected on his 35-year filmmaking career, which began with limited resources and no formal training. He spoke about the importance of passing on cultural and technical knowledge to younger generations.
“Your story is more important than you realise,” he said. “Look after your elders, look after your stories, they’re important. Teach them to your kids, teach them to your grandkids — because that’s who we are and that’s where we come from.”
Gulpilil’s life as a man who moved between two worlds — traditional Yolŋu life and the global stage — is at the heart of the film.
“All I had to do was pay attention and be respectful,”
“The whole family was there, guiding me.”
Narrated by Hugh Jackman and Yolŋu rapper Baker Boy, Journey Home, David Gulpilil was directed by Maggie Miles, who previously produced High Ground.
While the narrators may draw in wider audiences, Mr Collins said he’s most passionate about telling the stories of everyday people.
“For me, famous is not the only thing interesting,” he said.
“I’m more interested in ordinary people that live in our community every day… that’s where we draw our strength from.”
He hopes Journey Home will travel across the country, inspiring viewers to reflect on the importance of honouring Elders, preserving culture, and telling local stories — with care, with courage, and with Country at the centre.
Listen to Ngaarda Media’s Camilia Samson speak with Allan Collins: