David Gulpilil in conversation with Margaret Pomeranz

From his very first film role in Nicolas Roeg’s landmark 1971 film Walkabout, the on-screen charisma of David Gulpilil was undeniable. Just 16 years old at the time, Gulpilil had the kind of presence – as both an actor and dancer – that held viewers entranced. 

Walkabout made the Yolngu man a star and in the decades since his debut, he’s become a regular (and often scene-stealing) performer in some of Australia’s best-loved films, including Storm Boy, Crocodile Dundee, Ten Canoes, Rabbit Proof Fence, The Proposition and Australia. Following last year’s performance in Charlie’s Country, directed by Rolf de Heer, he netted a Best Actor (Un Certain Regard) at Cannes – proving Gulpilil is an artist at the height of his powers.

Pomeranz and Gulpilil (photo: Connor O'Brien)

His latest project is the documentary Another Country, directed by Molly Reynolds, the third part of the critically acclaimed Country suite (following Charlie's Country, and Reynolds' Still Our Country – Reflections on a Culture). Narrated and guided by Gulpilil himself, Another Country is an attempt to make sense of how modern Indigenous voices can exist between cultures.

If there’s any other David in the Australian film industry who should appear alongside Margaret Pomeranz – it’s this David. The illustrious pair talk about Gulpilil’s past, present and future in this celebration of his ongoing contribution to Australian film.