31 10 2023 - Media release Screen Australia and NITV announce Journey Home - David Gulpilil
Writer/director/producers Maggie Miles and Trisha Morton-Thomas, and producer Jida Gulpilil
Screen Australia and National Indigenous Television (NITV) are proud to announce the commission of a new Australian documentary Journey Home David Gulpilil.
David Gulpilil, a Yol u man of the Mandhalpuyngu clan, was one of Australia's most outstanding Indigenous actors. Since his 1971 debut in Nicholas Roeg's film Walkabout he mesmerised audiences, appearing in over eighteen films including Storm Boy, The Tracker, Ten Canoes, My Name is Gulpilil, Rabbit-Proof Fence, Australia, Crocodile Dundee and The Last Wave. With a career spanning over 50 years, Gulpilil's contribution to the Australian film industry and profound legacy is part of the history of both Australian cinema and its representation of Indigenous Australians.
Journey Home David Gulpilil, is the story of Gulpilil's journey home after his passing in 2021, back to his birthplace, the centrepiece of which is his B purru ceremony in Marayuwu near the Arafura Swamp and the remote community of Ramingining, Eastern Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory of Australia.
Premiering on NITV and SBS On Demand in 2024, this remarkable feature length documentary special is a rare insight into a powerful ceremony of renewal and regeneration and is told completely from the Yol u perspective, from the perspective of his family. Written and directed by Maggie Miles and Trisha Morton Thomas, this extraordinary event, marking Gulpilil's return to the earth, the completion of his life cycle, draws a direct line between the contemporary world of international fame and 60,000 years of Indigenous culture.
Screen Australia s Head of Documentary Alex West said, This powerful documentary provides a unique perspective into Gulpilil's final journey to rest. Made with the participation of David's family and community who want to share their ceremonies of grieving, renewal and regeneration for one of Australia's greatest First Nations actors.
NITV Commissioning Editor, Marissa McDowell said, We are honoured to share the story of David Gulpilil's journey home in this beautiful documentary. A stalwart in Australian cinema, Gulpilil is a staunch reminder of the importance of Indigenous representation onscreen. Journey Home shares an important and intimate part of Yol u culture with all Australians as part of Gulpilil's continuing legacy.
Screen Territory's Director Jennie Hughes said, Screen Territory is proud to support Journey Home, a film that documents a significant moment not only for the Northern Territory but for the nation. Australian actor David Gulpilil was and remains an iconic figure, and as he is poignantly returned to his homeland and his Yol u roots this film represents and preserves a vital piece of our shared Australian heritage by celebrating and honouring the rich tapestry and culture that shape and inform our nation s stories. Journey Home promises to be a film that honours the importance of ongoing cultural connection and which will celebrate the timeless legacy of one of Australia s greatest actors.
VicScreen CEO, Caroline Pitcher said, David Gulpilil was globally renowned as one of Australia's finest actors, with his portfolio of work leaving a lasting impact on the Australian screen industry. In collaboration with David's family, we are proud to support this beautiful documentary of David's journey home. The remarkable insight into Yol u culture and the renewal and regeneration ceremony will be an honour for all audiences.
Production Credit: Journey Home is a Savage Films, Brindle Films and Savage Films NT production for NITV. Principal production funding from Screen Australia in association with Screen Territory and VicScreen. Local distribution by Madman Entertainment. Developed with assistance of Screen Australia, VicScreen and Screen Territory.
Journey Home David Gulpilil will premiere on NITV and SBS On Demand in 2024.
SBS MEDIA ENQUIRIES: Milly Palmer
0406 348 248 | [email protected]
Hannah Lambert
0432 224 114 | [email protected]
Media enquiries Maddie Walsh | Publicist
61 2 8113 5915 | [email protected]
Ted Rose | Senior Publicist
61 2 8113 1091 | 61 456 558 679 | ted.rose@screenaustralia.gov.au
All other general/non-media enquiries
Sydney 61 2 8113 5800 | Melbourne 61 3 8682 1900 | [email protected]
Asia, Australia & Oceanic Stories
23/06/2026
Australians in Film and Screen Australia's talent development initiative UNT...
22/06/2026
FIFA World Cup 2026 fever grows, as more than one third of Australians tune in ...
18/06/2026
Techtel delivers Haivision live streaming system for TAFE NSW St Leonards, enabl...
16/06/2026
Australians place growing trust in SBS News
16 June, 2026
Media releases
SBS has been recognised as one of Australia's most trusted news providers, ran...
16/06/2026
Share your views on Screen Australia and the future of the industry 15 June 2026
Your feedback matters.
Following the instrumental insights provided in 2025,...
16/06/2026
Techtel Supports T-Motion RCCP-2A Controller Upgrade for Major Australian Broadc...
15/06/2026
4.78M AUSSIES TUNE IN FOR SOCCEROOS WIN OVER T RK YE ON SBS
15 June, 2026
Media releases
Match had a Total TV average audience of 3.035 million, with over ...
15/06/2026
SBS Head of Commissioning John Godfrey to depart after 18 years
15 June, 2026
Media releases
SBS Head of Commissioning John Godfrey will depart the broadca...
15/06/2026
Techtel Completes Media Production Setup for a major AFL sporting organisation
Sports
15 June Written By Suzanne Costello
(Sydney, Australia 15 June 2026)...
12/06/2026
How Aussie indie games and screen are levelling up with IP 11 June 2026
Ari Harrison, Pro Jank Footy
Head of Games Joey Egger and Ari Harrison of Umbrella sha...
11/06/2026
Australian Games Industry Glossary of Terms 10 June 2026
From DAU and EULA to COT and QADE, here's a list of game industry terms, industry jargon and their...
10/06/2026
Alone Australia Season 4: Meet the Cast
10 June, 2026
Media releases
WATCH THE TRAILER
Smash-hit survival series Alone Australia drops its highly anticipa...
10/06/2026
DEADLY THEN, DEADLY NOW, DEADLY ALWAYS: SBS & NITV IGNITE NAIDOC WEEK 2026 WITH ...
04/06/2026
Is Your Job Making You Work this June?
4 June, 2026
Media releases
SBS Launches the World Cup Watchers' Rights Association to Stand Up For Australians&...
04/06/2026
Statement regarding unauthorised use of SBS logos on third party social content
4 June, 2026
Media releases
SBS has become aware of social media posts in c...
03/06/2026
Clarification: SBS's position on definitions of antisemitism
3 June, 2026
Media releases
Statement by Mandi Wicks, SBS Director of News and Current Aff...
03/06/2026
Do not read this media release! Andy Lee's smash-hit show returns to ABC thi...
01/06/2026
SBS confirms its broadcast sponsors for FIFA World Cup 2026
1 June, 2026
Media releases
SBS has secured Hyundai, Hisense, Macca's, Rexona, bet365, Com...
28/05/2026
Get fit for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with new SBS On Demand features for the ult...
28/05/2026
Six films, one unmissable collection. First Facts documentaries debut on 10 Stre...
28/05/2026
Emma Watkins brings all-new Emma's Dance Club to ABC Kids 28 May 2026
Emmas Dance Club. Image credit: Sarah Wilson.
The ABC, Screen Australia and Screen N...
26/05/2026
Three new kids' digital series set to hatch from ACTF and Screen Australia i...
25/05/2026
SBS announces exclusive TV broadcast schedule for FIFA World Cup 2026
21 May, 2026
Media releases
Luke Wilkshire, Tommy Oar, Andrew Redmayne, Sarah Walsh ...
22/05/2026
Statement regarding 2026 National NAIDOC Lifetime Achievement Award for the late...
21/05/2026
2026 delegation for Partner with Australia (UK) initiative announced 21 May 2026
Screen Australia and Ausfilm have today announced the delegation for the 2026 ...
20/05/2026
From Gulkula to the nation: Yothu Yindi Foundation and NITV deepen national acce...
20/05/2026
SBS appoints David Fernandez as National Manager, Digital & TV Sales
20 May, 2026
Media releases
SBS has appointed David Fernandez as National Manager, Dig...
20/05/2026
First Nations Factual Co-production Development Fund launched to elevate Indigen...
18/05/2026
Delta Goodrem shines for SBS as more than 3.27 million Australians tune in for E...
17/05/2026
Delta Goodrem's Eurovision Eclipse marks end of a stellar run
17 May, 2026
Media releases
Bulgaria wins Eurovision 2026
Relive every spellbinding mome...
15/05/2026
Joint Statement: News Bargaining Incentive
28 April, 2026
Media releases
The vibrancy of Australian democracy relies on the robust and open exchange of new...
15/05/2026
Call it Deltavision, Australia's through to the Grand Final of this year'...
14/05/2026
SBS Board appoints Jane Palfreyman Managing Director
13 May, 2026
Media releases
The Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) Board of Directors is pleased to an...
14/05/2026
Transforming bold ideas into market-ready productions: Digital Originals returns
14 May, 2026
Media releases
SBS, NITV and Screen Australia have announced ...
14/05/2026
Australia Uncovered Returns to SBS with Bold New Season Featuring John Safran on...
14/05/2026
Transforming bold ideas into market-ready productions: Digital Originals returns 14 May 2026
Top (L-R): Bronte Gosper (Musket), Mema Munro (Rogue One), Nathan ...
12/05/2026
One month to go! SBS reveals expansive FIFA World Cup 2026 lineup beyond the pi...
11/05/2026
You're not meant to look at an Eclipse, but you won't be able to take yo...
04/05/2026
It's Andrew! stomps onto screens this June 4 May 2026
The ABC and Screen Australia are delighted to announce that brand new preschool series, It's Andr...
30/04/2026
SBS & NITV LEAD NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK 2026 WITH LANDMARK GULPILIL DOCUMEN...
29/04/2026
Surgeon Dr Jasmina Kevric wins 2026 Les Murray Award
29 April, 2026
Media releases
Australia for UNHCR and SBS are proud to announce that Dr Jasmina Kevric...
23/04/2026
Apply now to join the 2026 Producer Delegation to TIFF: The Market 23 April 2026
Screen Australia, in partnership with Ontario Creates, has opened application...
22/04/2026
SBS names shortlisted brands for 2026 SBS Media Sustainability Challenge
22 April, 2026
Media releases
National broadcaster also releases its second annual...
21/04/2026
Applications open for 2026 AISF and Screen Australia Writer/Director Virtual Ses...
20/04/2026
Register now - Market & Audience Department Ask Me Anything (AMA) Session 11 February 2026
Screen Australia Head of Market & Audience Rakel Tansley
Talking to...
20/04/2026
Screen Australia announces funding for 44 documentary projects that reflect a s...
20/04/2026
Screen Australia appoints Tanya Phegan as Narrative Content Head of Development 17 March 2026
Tanya Phegan
Screen Australia has today announced the appointmen...
20/04/2026
Applications Open for Skip Ahead 11 19 March 2026
Past Skip Ahead recipients (L-R): Macfarlane Bros, Rainbow Bop, Lyanna Kea.
Screen Australia and YouTube Aus...
31 10 2023 - Media release Screen Australia and NITV announce Journey Home - David Gulpilil 
