Journey Home David Gulpilil – a moving tribute to the late actor

The new movie Journey Home, directed and produced by Maggie Miles, is a heartfelt and moving tribute to the late, legendary Indigenous actor David Gulpilil, who passed away in 2021.
The documentary outlines the story of Gulpilil’s lengthy funeral rites after he passed away from lung cancer in South Australia in November 2021.
Working closely with Yolŋu leader Witiyana Marika, Miles captures some of the most powerful Indigenous mourning ceremonies as Gulpilil’s body travels in a hearse from South Australia’s Murray Bridge to Darwin.
In a lengthy wait for the end of the rainy season in the Top End, the mourners are forced to wait some months until the wetlands of Nhulunbuy in north-east Arnhem Land, where Gulpilil had specifically requested to be buried, become dry enough for the funeral to proceed.
Finally, once the funeral had been arranged, he is buried in the beautiful surroundings of Gupulul, the place Gulpilil always felt was closest to his heart.
The movie is a sensitive and honest tribute to Gulpilil showing mourning scenes never before seen on camera.
With commentary by Hugh Jackman and Australian Indigenous DJ Baker Boy, as well as appearances by many of Gulpilil’s family, it is a cinematic treat not to be missed.
Journey Home opens at Luna Leederville on Thursday October 30, 2025.

By Mike Peeters