A true icon of Australian cinema. David Gulpilil Ridjimiraril Dalaithngu’s mesmerising, electrifying presence leapt off the big screen and changed Australian screen representation forever. Engaging with the camera like never before, David generously shares his own extraordinary story, in his final film—My Name is Gulpilil.
 

STATEMENT REGARDING
THE LATE YOLŊU ACTOR, DANCER, PAINTER
DAVID GULPILIL RIDJIMIRARIL DALAITHNGU
 
The Yolŋu Community & kin of the late David Gulpilil Ridjimiraril Dalaithngu wish to thank the nation for their respectful adherence to the request that he be referred to as David Dalaithngu for the immediate period following his passing.
 
David was an inimitable talent who ‘walked between two worlds’, that of his Country and Culture, and that of the film world, placing him in a unique position regarding posthumous naming cultural practice.
 
David wanted people to know his name, remember his work, and know his immense legacy to Australian cinema and Australian culture. He was rightfully proud. He wanted his storytelling through film to be shared, to be on the record for the generations to come.
 
As were his wishes, the Community now give permission for all of his names to be used.
He may be referred to as:
David Gulpilil
David Gulpilil Ridjimiraril Dalaithngu
David Gulpilil AM
David Gulpilil Ridjimiraril Dalaithngu AM
 
The permission remains to use his image in films and photographs.
 
 
Mandjalpingu is the name of his clan.
He’s from Ramingining Arnhem Land.
His homeland is Marwuyu.
 
In his own words:
 
“My skin group name Balang.
My language is Mandhalpingu
My moiety is Dhuwa.
My mother is same and my father side is same.
My name is Gulpilil, you know what that means? Kingfisher.
That’s my name, that’s my totem, that’s what I sing, that’s what I believe.
My name is in the tree, in the fish, in the sky, in the star, in the earth, in the storm, day and night.”
David Gulpilil Ridjimiraril Dalaithngu