Madman at Garma Festival in 2025

The Garma Festival of Traditional Cultures is Australia’s largest Indigenous cultural gathering, taking place over four days each August in northeast Arnhem Land, in the Northern Territory, Australia.

Madman has been proud supporter of the film program at Garma Festival for the past three years.

This year Garma Cinema featured 4 feature films and 5 shorts including an exclusive preview of the documentary Journey Home, David Gulpilil. A special ceremonial event with the songmen of Gapuwiyak opened the film which was introduced by directors Maggie Miles and Trisha Morton-Thomas, together with producer Lloyd Garrawurra, Witiyana Marika and Songmen from Gapuwiyak.

David Gulpilil is one of Australia’s most celebrated actors. He gained international fame in the movies Walkabout (1971), Storm Boy (1976), Crocodile Dundee (1986). Gulpilil’s contribution to the Australian film industry and his profound legacy form part of the history of Australian cinema and how it has represented Indigenous Australians. Before his death in Adelaide in 2021, his family promised him that he would be laid to rest in accordance with full Yolŋu ceremonial traditions. So begins the Journey Home.

Journey Home, David Gulpilil

When Australia’s most renowned Indigenous actor David Gulpilil passes away far from his Homeland, his family struggles against huge logistical challenges to fulfill his final wish, to lay him to rest on his Homeland, more than 4,500 kilometres away in Arnhem Land. The incredible access granted to the filmmakers is David’s family’s gift to the world.

Audiences are invited to experience rarely seen and centuries-old ceremonies at his bäpurru, his funeral, continuing Gulpilil’s legacy of sharing his culture. The film, narrated by Hugh Jackman, is poignant, action-packed and culturally rich, offering unique insights into a side of David Gulpilil’s life that was rarely in the spotlight.

Madman Entertainment - Reconciliation Action Plan - Reflect August 2024 - February 2026

Through our core business practices, Madman is proud to share films with audiences that transcend the screen, start conversations, encourage reflection and empower change. Promoting First Peoples’ culture and stories is a central part of this vision.

Read our Reconciliation Action P