The sad passing of an Australian music great just before the opening of this year's Melbourne International Film Festival threw a spanner in the works of the festival's plans for closing night. Cultural sensitivities around images of the deceased, and even naming the deceased, meant that Paul Williams' documentary about the artist sometimes known as Dr G Yunupingu would not be screenable.
However, the filmmakers held discussions with senior Gumatj elder David Djunga Djunga Yunupingu, and are abiding by his wishes and direction in allowing the screening to go ahead. In addition, ten per cent from each ticket sold will be donated to Dr G Yunupingu’s Foundation, a fund supporting Indigenous young people in remote areas to realise their potential.
Tickets are once again on sale for the two simultaneous screenings at the Comedy Theatre and the Forum Theatre on Saturday August 19.