Actor David Gulpilil’s life and legacy honoured on Sydney Opera House
Content warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this article contains images of a person who has died.
The family of the late actor has permitted use of his image and his surname.
Tributes to iconic actor David Gulpilil Ridjimiraril Dalaithngu - who passed away last week - continue with the projection of his life on the sails of the Sydney Opera House.
Gulpilil, a Yolηu man of the Mandhalpuyngu clan, was known for his roles in Rabbit Proof Fence, Crocodile Dundee, Australia and Storm Boy among others, and passed away at the age of 68, following a lengthy battle with lung cancer.
Images spanning the length of his career - from his debut role in Walkabout to his last as an ailing cancer patient in I Am Gulpilil - have been displayed on Sydney’s iconic landmark, as the film industry prepares to award him with the country’s highest accolade.
Gulpilil will receive the Longford Lyell Award at the AACTA Awards - Australia’s equivalent to the Oscars - on Wednesday night. He will join similarly illustrious recipients of the award, including Cate Blanchett, Jackie Weaver, and Crocodile Dundee co-star Paul Hogan.
“David carried the legacy of his people into all of his performances creating an authenticity that had never been seen widely before, and will never be forgotten,” AACTA chief executive Damian Trewhalla said.
“By redefining how the world sees Indigenous Australians, he paved the way for the next generation to reject cultural stereotypes and express their own truths.
“All Australia owe him a debt.”
Gulpilil’s lifetime achievement award will be introduced at the ceremony by Yolηu rapper Baker Boy.
The Sydney Opera House will show his tribute again on the night, as his award is posthumously presented.
Yothu Yindi musician Witiyana Marika, who is Gulpilil’s son by lore and also an actor, will join the celebrations of his renowned relative at the AACTA Awards.
Marika played a major role in the 2020 film High Ground - taking the part originally cast for Gulpilil, who was forced to pull out due to his cancer diagnosis.
“I’ll be singin’ his name, I’ll be singin’ his estate … the place he comes from, the land, the water,” Marika said.
“Healing the spirit. The powerful spirit of the land, and his name.”
He said the film industry would offer their respects to the “boy who came out from the Marwuyu bush and became a big shining star”.
“He was the first shining light for me, and for everyone else who believed in him, and who saw him,” the senior Rirratiηu clan elder said.
“And he made a big change, you know? He was a Yolηu Mandhalpuyngu role model.”
As tributes continue, the NT government says plans for a state funeral are yet to be confirmed.
“We remain in discussions with the family around their wishes for Mr Dalaithngu’s funeral,” an NT government spokesman said.
“This will take time. We will provide an update as soon as we have one.”
Image: James D. Morgan (Getty Images)