Acclaimed Indigenous Australian actor David Gulpilil has been honoured at the 8th annual Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival in Winton, with his own star on Winton's Walk of Fame revealed on Saturday.
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With an illustrious career dating back to 1971, Gulpilil was catapulted to international recognition with Walkabout (1971), and is best known for his appearances in Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002), Crocodile Dundee (1986) and Australia (2008) - a true pioneer who paved the way for Indigenous actors and creators across the breath of Australia's film industry.
His lifetime contribution to Australian cinema will now be cemented in history on the footpath of Elderslie Street, the main drag in Winton.
The Festival opened on Friday with the film My Name is Gulpilil and Festival Director, Mark Melrose said Gulpilil's unwavering strength and presence added fuel to the voice of Indigenous Australians on the big screen and broke stereotypes across Australia's film industry.
"David Gulpilil inspired a whole generation of Indigenous talent - some who were able to see their community represented on the big screen for the first time and realise a career in cinema was attainable," Mr Melrose said.
"His star on Winton's Walk of Fame will pay respect to his 50-year career in Australia's film industry and enduring and powerful presence both on and off the screen.
"His latest film and intimate documentary, My Name is Gulpilil will also open this year's festival and give punters a glimpse into his incredible life."
Gulpilil is the sixth star to be named in Winton's Walk of Fame and will join renowned actors Steve Le Marquand and Roy Billing, director Ivan Sen, film critic Margaret Pomeranz and former Winton Mayor Butch Lenton.
For personal reasons, Koa Elder and good friend, Michael Mace will accept the star on his behalf.
My Name is Gulpilil opened the festival on Friday taking viewers on a bittersweet journey as Gulpilil confronts the end of his life, following a stage-four lung cancer diagnosis in early 2017.
Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival will run until Saturday July 3. To secure tickets, visit www.visionsplendidfilmfest.com
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Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
