The 6th National Indigenous Arts Awards has given the prestigious Red Ochre Award to indigenous Australian actor David Gulpilil. This award is the highest prize in the indigenous arts. It is given by the Australia Councils Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Board. Gulpilil was chosen for the distinction for his important contributions to the arts in Australia. The event was held at the Sydney Opera House on May 27.
The award comes with a cash prize of $50,000 in recognition of outstanding Aboriginal artists who have contributed much not just in Australia but in the world stage as well. Former recipients of the award include musician and actor Jimmy Little, singer-songwriter Archie Roach, choreographer Michael Leslie, and musician Warren Hedley Williams.
A 40-year career
Gulpilil who is 59 years old is now given recognition for a 40-year career in the movies. Gulpilil is also an accomplished painter and dancer. The indigenous actor appeared in the movie, “Crocodile Dundee,” (1986) and “Rabbit-Proof Fence,” (2002). He also appeared in the movies, “Ten Canoes,” (2006) and “Australia” (2008), the epic historical romance Baz Luhrmann. He started appearing in films in 1971 with “Walkabout,” his first movie and had been around the world promoting dance and film.
The actor was nominated for the award by Jida, one of David’s sons. Jida said that his father’s 40 years of contribution to the arts is “immeasurable.” Jida believes that the recognition is long overdue saying that his father’s work has influenced film, documentary, dance, indigenous music, and storytelling.
“Sydney is my Hollywood”
This year’s awardee has very special memories of the Sydney Opera House. When this landmark structure opened in 1973, Gulpilil remembers dancing for Queen Elizabeth II. He said that it is very important to pass on the skills of aboriginal artists to the next generation. He added that he has been keeping the history of the indigenous people of Australia and will continue to do so. He also said that he has been working for a long time and appreciate being given the top prize.
Gulpilil said that a portion of the prize money will be used for funding job programs for indigenous Australians who are residing in Arnhem Land. He added that he wants to bring young talents to the Sydney Opera House to perform like he used to do. He wants to see young Aboriginal kids growing up knowing how to tell stories of Australia by becoming film writers, camera operators, or directors.
Tough times
The actor said that he is now homeless and broke and that the cash prize would help support his daily living expenses in the remote Outback. Gulpilil grew up in Arnhem Land, the largest wetlands in the Southern Hemisphere. Jida Gulpilil has set up the David Gulpilil tours, a company that offers Aboriginal heritage trips led by David himself to tourists. The family is hoping to build a tourism resort that builds on David’s works of art and documentaries.
David Gulpilil will be appearing in two films that will be released in the next few months. These films are “Satellite Boy” and “Charlie’s Country.”
Photo Credit: David Gulpilil
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