The documentary 'Bringing His Spirit Home,' which follows Gomeroi man Peter Milliken's journey to honour his great-uncle William Allan Irwin DCM, will premiere at the 2024 Sydney Film Festival next month.

The film, directed by Yuwalaaraay filmmaker Dylan Nicholls, has been officially selected for the festival and will screen at Dendy Cinemas in Newtown on Saturday, June 14 at 2pm.

'Bringing His Spirit Home' documents Mr Milliken's first visit to France to pay respects at the grave of his great-uncle, a Gomeroi soldier who served in the 33rd Battalion during WWI.

In 1918, Mr Irwin captured three German machine guns and was fatally wounded attempting to take a fourth.

He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his actions, but for decades his story remained unrecognised in Australia.

"In his lifetime, my great-uncle was never recognised as a citizen of Australia," Mr Milliken said during a ceremony earlier this year.

"Today, he is an honorary citizen in France."

In April, more than a century after his death, William Allan Irwin was posthumously made the first honorary citizen of France's Val de Somme, where he is buried.

Director Dylan Nicholls, who made the film while studying at the Australian Film Television and Radio School, said the recognition was long overdue.

"Our people served with distinction, even when they weren't recognised as citizens," Mr Nicholls said.

"William's story shows the bravery of a man who gave everything for a country that didn't give him the same in return."

The film captures a cultural ceremony at Mr Irwin's gravesite and follows Mr Milliken as he returns soil from France to Country, reconnecting William's spirit to home.

Festival details and ticketing can be found on the Sydney Film Festival website.