Balibo (2009) – Special Screening + In-Conversation

Join us for a special screening of Balibo (2009), as part of the 14th Australian Media Traditions Conference.

This gripping political thriller, starring Anthony LaPaglia and Oscar Isaac, is based on the true story of the 'Balibo Five' - the five journalists killed during Indonesia's 1975 invasion of East Timor. 

The safety of journalists in war zones remains as relevant today, and this screening will be introduced by RMIT Information Integrity Hub Lecturer Sushi Das, exploring Balibo's enduring legacy, dramatic truth, and how archival material helped bring this story to the screen. Also appearing will be journalist, musician and RMIT alumni Paulie Stewart, brother of Tony Stewart who one of the Balibo Five.

Presented in association with the 14th Australian Media Traditions Conference, and its theme 'Archives and Archetypes: Recovery and Renewal', this event highlights the vital role archives can play in uncovering hidden histories. 

'Balibo'

Country: Australia, East Timor

Year: 2009

Duration: 111 minutes

Language: English, Tetum

Format: DCP

Image credit: Film still, Balibo (2009), courtesy Arenamedia.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

Learn more about our commitment to Indigenous cultures