How David Gulpilil AM changed the way we see Australia and the Indigenous People

David Gulpilil AM was a gifted actor, dancer and painter.

Prior to David Gulpilil’s emergence as an actor there was little representation of Indigenous Australians in Australian cinema Source: Source: Photo: Terry Trewin, AAP

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The influence of David Gulpilil AM on Australian culture is enormous and eternal. He was magnetic on screen and his performances in films like Tracker, Storm Boy and Rabbit Proof Fence gave audiences a richer understanding about the lives of Indigenous Australians. How did he do this?

Dr Gaston Soehadi is a lecturer at Petra Christian University in Surabaya, one of the directors of the ReelOzInd film festival and a lover of Australian films. He explains to Sri Dean how David Gulpilil AM was able to convey his love of his country and people with strength and honesty.

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Not long after his death David Gulpilil AM was awarded the Longford Lyell Award.for his outstanding contribution to Australian cinema.

David Gulpilil AM inspired not only other artists and film-makers but also audiences, with the naturalness of his performances. Source: Getty Images AsiaPac