Before his passing in 2021, Yolŋu actor David Gulpilil made his family promise to return him to his Homeland of Gupulul in Arnhem Land.

From his tribal upbringing in the Arafura Swamp to his international breakthrough in Walkabout (1971), Gulpilil blazed a trail as the first Australian First Nations actor recognised worldwide. This film follows his remarkable homecoming, as family undertake a four-thousand-kilometre journey by road, air and water, guided by Yolŋu law, song cycles and ancestral spirits to lay him to rest where his story began. Join us for a special Q&A with the filmmakers. Co-directed by Trisha Morton-Thomas and co-produced by Rachel Clements.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that this content contains images and voices of people who have died.

Join us for a special Q&A with the filmmakers for this double feature tribute.

Accompanying Short: Showing Melbourne to Maningrida

Director: David Gulpilil | Year: 1973 | Rating: Unclassified 15+ | Run time: 28 mins | Country: Australia Genre: First Nations Documentary | Language: English, Yolŋu Matha

In 1973, only a couple of years after walking out of the bush to the red carpet of Cannes, a young David Gulpilil made his first film as a Director. The film, “Showing Melbourne to Maningrida” is the world through Gulpilil’s unique lens and what he has left us, as a document for all time, is an insight into his view of the two worlds that he walked between.

Doors Open: 6:30 pm | Screening Starts: 7:00 pm