MIFF Will Proceed with Closing Night Screening of Dr G Yunupingu Documentary
And they'll donate a portion of ticket proceeds to the late Indigenous icon's foundation.
The Melbourne International Film Festival will donate a portion of proceeds from this year's closing night gala to charity, in honour of late Indigenous music icon Dr G Yunupingu.
MIFF organisers had previously announced that the festival would close with a screening of a documentary about Yunupingu's life, but temporarily halted ticket sales following the musician's tragic passing late last month. Dr Yunupingu's family has asked that the media refrain from sharing his full name or image, raising questions over whether the closing night film should be changed.
However, the documentary makers have since sought the advice of senior Gumatj elder David Djunga Djunga Yunupingu, and on his direction have confirmed that the screening will go ahead, with ten percent of ticket sales going to Dr Yunupingu's foundation, which supports Indigenous youths in remote communities around the country. David Djunga Djunga Yunupingu will introduce the screening alongside director Paul Williams.
MIFF's closing night screening of the documentary of Dr G Yunupingu's life will take place on the evening of Saturday, August 19. To book tickets, go here.