meet the team

DJALU GURRUWIWI

Djalu Gurruwiwi was a Yolngu elder, master yidaki player, wise and knowledgeable Galpu custodian and traditional healer from Arnhem Land. Known internationally as “Mr Didgeridoo”, Djalu toured for more than 20 years, sharing Galpu songlines and running yidaki workshops in the UK, Japan, Italy, the Czech Republic, Germany, the United States, the United Arab Emirates and Australia. He was also widely regarded as one of Arnhem Land’s most important master craftsmen, with an innate ability to choose highly resonant trees and craft them into remarkable instruments. Djalu generously shared his knowledge with people from all cultures, believing the ‘barra’, or Westwind (the healing sound of the yidaki), was key to bridging cultural divides and connecting people to the earth.

Morning Star began as Djalu’s idea. In 2017, he asked for the film to be made so that Larry could carry his mission forward. Djalu co-wrote the film and took part in filming from 2018 until he passed away in 2022. This film continues the work he began.

LARRY Gurruwiwi

Larry is a Galpu clan Indigenous musician from Arnhem Land. He is a custodian of ancient Galpu songlines and traditions, passed down to him by his father Djalu. A master yidaki player, Larry carries the sacred sounds and songlines of his clan. As custodian of the yidaki, Larry has also taken on his father’s role as a yidaki healer, using the ‘barra’ to bring healing to people both at home and abroad, just as Djalu did for decades before him.

He has performed with Djalu in Tokyo and Adelaide, and with Gotye at WOMADelaide. With his band Malawurr, Larry has taken the songlines to festival audiences across Europe and Australia. Through his music and healing, he hopes to inspire pride in culture back home and share ancient knowledge with the world. Since his father’s passing, Larry has taken on the role of co-writer of Morning Star, continuing the story Djalu began.

Discover more about Larry and his music at larrygurruwiwi.com.

Ben Strunin

Director Ben Strunin is an Australian filmmaker with three decades of experience making films around the world, including the past 18 years documenting Indigenous cultures across Australia. Following the success of Westwind: Djalu’s Legacy (2017), Ben was invited by Djalu and Larry Gurruwiwi to continue their collaboration with Morning Star. Working closely with Larry, Ben continues to direct the film, with Larry shaping its narrative as co-writer. Their partnership extends beyond filmmaking, with Ben managing Malawurr and supporting the band’s tours, live performances and recording projects.

Vernon Gurruwiwi

Vernon Gurruwiwi is a Galpu clan musician from Arnhem Land, renowned for his mastery of the yidaki (didgeridoo), his healing practice and his expertise in traditional Bunggul ceremonies. Since 2015, he has performed with Barra Band, touring Japan, Melbourne and Sydney, and sharing the stage with Gotye at WOMADelaide. Vernon is also a member of Malawurr, performing alongside his brother Larry and joining the band on tours across Australia and internationally.