David Gulpilil, from the Mandjalpingu (Djilba) clan of the Yolngu people, was discovered by a visiting British film-maker and recruited into the world of film. Adventurous, talented, intelligent and ambitious, he became one of Australia’s best-known and charismatic actors. 

Following Walkabout (1971), Gulpilil’s acting career spanned over 40 films, including classics such as The Tracker (2002), Rabbit-Proof Fence (2001), Ten Canoes (2006), and My Name is Gulpilil (2021); international attention soared with his role in Crocodile Dundee (1986).  Gulpilil spent over 50 years of his life bringing authentic Indigenous stories, dance and music to audiences around the world, culminating in a collaboration with Rolf de Heer and Molly Reynolds on My Name Is Gulpilil (2021) which showed him looking back over a life of extreme highs and lows.  

While dying of lung cancer, Gulpilil made his final wishes known – he not only wanted his body to be repatriated to his homeland Gupulul, a remote location in East Arnhem Land on Yolngu Country, but for the funeral to be captured on film – a final act of cultural sharing.  The film crew chronicled an extraordinary journey across more than 3000 kilometers before recording the funeral ceremony, or Bäpurru, that was both traditional and unique. It was a collective act of farewell that will be remembered for generations to come. Madman.