ACCLAIMED Australian actor David Gulpilil has joined Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman as one of a bevy of high-profile local stars to work their magic on Baz Luhrmann’s Outback epic Australia.
As the lights on the $100 million drama faded to black after nine months in production last week, the first picture of the Australian Film Institute winner was unveiled showing Gulpilil playing tribal elder King George.
The 54-year-old, who was rushed to hospital with pneumonia earlier this month after suffering chest pains on a flight from Brisbane to Sydney, features in several pivotal scenes in the movie, which also requires him to sing.
The Ten Canoes, The Proposition and Rabbit Proof Fence star said he had been recovering in Sydney since his hospital dash two weeks ago and is preparing to record additional dialogue work for the film.
Luhrmann has made no secret of the Aboriginal essence that flows throughout the star-studded blockbuster with part of the main story revolving around a young Aboriginal boy named Nullah.
For Gulpilil, the role signifies a symbolic milestone.
"Our tometic ancestors created the land in the Dreamtime," Gulpilil said.
"Everything you see, including animals, trees, rocks and rivers were created in the Dreamtime. Our ancestors called the land into life, giving names to places and animals through song. Our songs represent our stories and our connection to this land. Without our songs we have nothing."
Meanwhile, tourism experts have predicted Luhrmann’s blockbuster will lure thousands more Britons Down Under.
The Association of British Travel Agents has predicted Australia will again top exotic travel destinations list in 2008 with new research showing travellers chase remote locations featured in movies.
According to the association, fans are likely to head to Australia’s Top End where Australia is set.