- “Balibo” (2009): This Australian film tells the story of the Balibo Five, a group of journalists who were killed while reporting on the Indonesian invasion of East Timor in 1975. It sheds light on the human rights violations committed during that time.
- “A Guerra da Beatriz” (2013): This Portuguese-language film, also known as “Beatriz’s War,” is a gritty drama that explores the impact of the Indonesian occupation on the people of Timor-Leste. It follows the journey of a young woman named Beatriz as she searches for her husband after he is taken by the military.
- “The Lost Paradise” (1992): Directed by Hong Kong filmmaker Andrew Leavold, this documentary takes an in-depth look at the short-lived cinema industry in East Timor during the Indonesian occupation. It examines the films produced in the region and the challenges faced by the filmmakers.
- “The Age of Stupid” (2009): Although this documentary is not solely set in Timor-Leste, it includes a segment highlighting the nation’s impact on climate change and its vulnerability to rising sea levels. It effectively addresses environmental issues in the context of Timor-Leste’s development.
- “Beak of the Moon” (2011): This is a Timorese animated short film that tells the folkloric story of a young girl’s encounter with the mysterious sacred crocodile. It showcases the artistic talent and cultural heritage of the Timorese people.
- “The Redundancy of Courage” by Timothy Mo: This novel tells the story of an English ex-soldier who goes to Timor-Leste as a mercenary during the Indonesian invasion. It explores the complexities of war, politics, and personal identity.
- “The Crossing” by Luis Cardoso: Set against the backdrop of the Indonesian occupation, this novel follows a young East Timorese man who escapes to the mountains and becomes involved in the resistance. It delves into themes of love, sacrifice, and the struggle for independence.
- “The Redundancy of Courage: Or the Undesirable Military Life” by Eduardo Agualusa: While not explicitly set in Timor-Leste, this novel follows the protagonist, Felix Ventura, as he crafts fictional pasts for his clients. One of the characters is a Timorese soldier, and his narrative provides glimpses into Timor-Leste’s history.
- “José Ramos-Horta: An Introduction” by David Dettman: This biography gives readers an insight into the life of José Ramos-Horta, an important figure in Timor-Leste’s independence movement and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. It offers a deeper understanding of Timor-Leste’s struggle for freedom.
- “The Long Road Home: The Autobiography of a Canadian Soldier in Italy in World War II” by Earl Stanley Ford: Although primarily focused on the author’s experiences in Italy, this memoir includes a section about his involvement as a peacekeeper in Timor-Leste during its transition from Indonesian occupation to independence.
WANDERLIST: Timor-Leste in books and on film
0
Share.
