iDIDJ Australia Didgeridoo Cultural Hub

I know I post too much... sorry, kids.

I am looking at the 12 Canoes forum again. I don't know who maintains it, tho it seems to be tied into the film Ten Canoes in some way. I am looking at an 'extra' on the 'Creation' segment, called 'Poison Rock'. It's about a sacred rock structure that is in the custodianship of Peter Minygululu, and the segment is narrated by David Gulpilil.

David Gulpilil is probably more responsible than anyone else for making indigenous Australian culture available to, and attractive to, the rest of the world... I actually found a mailing address for him in Ramingining and thought to write him a fan letter, and I might still, tho I don't have much to say beyond 'I admire you very much so please get yourself together and make lots more movies'.

I think he is an unusual person, very gifted, and also in a strange and difficult situation, trying to bridge two completely different cultures. He has a natural charisma that would bridge any cultural divide, and in spite of his troubles, I hope he has a lot more creativity yet to come.

So there is a little fan letter, tho not sent to him, yet.
:/
Cindy

He's in jail at the moment in Darwin. Maybe you could write to him there.

Kyle

Is he ? What for ?

Thanks for the (sad) info Kyle...

Yeah, I know... maybe I should wait till he's out. I think it was five months...?
:/

Breaking your wife's arm in a drunken rage is of course not admirable, but... it's so far from being a complete story. I could ramble on, as usual, but this imdb review of 'Gulpilil, One Red Blood' says much of what I would say, although it is a bit simplistic, especially in light of his current situation.

He's fucked up, true, but he's still brilliant.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0400481/

David Gulpilil is the quintessential Australian Aboriginal actor, and the first actual Aboriginal to play a role in a movie. He also was instrumental in advising Australian filmmakers on authentic Aboriginal customs, language, and folklore. It was through him that the depiction of Aboriginals in Australian films went from being stereotypes played by white actors in black face to truly authentic depictions.

From his humble roots as an aboriginal dancer at a tourist attraction, Gulpilil's innate skill was recognized -- his traditional dancing techniques were as refined and athletic as any Ballet star, but it was his charm and personality that stood out above all, and young Australian film director Nicolas Roeg knew that Gulpilil would be perfect in his 1971 film, "Walkabout". What Roeg didn't realize was that Gulpilil would not just make the aboriginal character in the film authentic, but he would go on to start a revolution in Australia's film industry.

David Gulpilil brought so much authentic aboriginal motifs to his role in Walkabout, that no white actors in black face would ever be seen again portraying Aboriginals. From now on, only Aboriginal actors and actresses would portray Aboriginals in Australian films. Not only did he open the door to Aboriginal actors, but he also made the film industry conscious of their portrayals of Aboriginals in film. From that point on, the language, customs, dances, and music of Aboriginal people would be portrayed as they really are, as opposed to how white settlers imagined them.

What makes this film fascinating, apart from all the archival footage, and interviews with actors and directors whose pleasure it was to work with David, is the look at his life as it is now. Gulpilil still lives in the Bush, hundreds of miles from any roads, cities, or hospitals. He swims across alligator-infested waters to get to the nearest airport, and he lives in a shack that he built with his own hands. He gave all of his money to his tribe, and is content to live a traditional existence of hunting and gathering -- much like many of the characters he portrayed on film.

At first, we are shocked at the lifestyle of this legendary actor whose smiling face has charmed us in so many Aussie films -- We pity him, and start assuming that he was ripped off by his greedy agent. But as the film progresses, our pity turns into pure admiration -- he wasn't ripped off. He prefers to live this way, and has used his money to help out members of his family and tribe. We marvel at his family values, and how modern civilization has not spoiled him. He has and still lives an amazing life. Though already a legend, he may yet become more legendary before long.

Gotta find and watch this movie OneRedBlood !
Have you seen "Crocodile Dreaming" ? A short movie by Darlene Johnson where Gulpilil plays his own role.
His very first scene in the short movie is so comic and awesome !!!

One Red Blood is really great, and is an extra on the second disk of 'The Tracker'.

I haven't seen Crocodile Dreaming, but I really want to! You have seen it and it's good? I think I'm gonna have to buy it, but I'm not sure if it's available on US-style DVD... also I just got cut to four days at work, so I can't do it just yet in any case.
:/

I've got all of the above movies, will try to make edited clips of them, all worth watching too.

G