Balibo screening kicks-off media conference at RMIT

Balibo screening kicks-off media conference at RMIT

RMIT University is proud to host the fourteenth annual Australian Media Traditions Conference (AMTC), with a special screening of the film Balibo (2009) taking centre stage.

As a precursor to the biennial conference, Balibo is screening at The Capitol on Wednesday 3 September – following a panel discussion hosted by journalist and RMIT Information Integrity Hub lecturer Sushi Das, featuring special guest Paulie Stewart OAM of the iconic bands Painters and Dockers and the Dili Allstars.

Paulie’s brother Tony was one of the ‘Balibo Five’ – a group of international media who were murdered by Indonesian special forces soldiers in East Timor in 1975 – the true story at the centre of the film. 

"I appreciate your efforts in keeping the Balibo story alive, I can’t actually believe it’s been fifty years since events unfolded there," Paulie said. 

"As a former media/journalism student at RMIT, it will be a fond return home."

Paulie Stewart Paulie Stewart, OAM and brother to Tony, who was one of the ‘Balibo Five’.

The AMTC explores the history of Australian media, while bringing together academics, researchers, and media professionals to discover new perspectives on the Australian press landscape. 

"As a University world-renowned for its journalism and media studies programs, RMIT is perfectly placed to host the AMTC in 2025," RMIT Manager, Partnerships and Engagement, Helen Withycombe said.

"Fifty years on from the tragic Balibo Five incident in 1975, press freedom is still as important as ever, and it was stirring to hear the account from Paulie. 

"We’re proud to partner with the AMTC team to deliver this stimulating and thought-provoking event."

This year’s conference theme is ‘Archives and Archetypes: Recovery and Renewal,’ and RMIT’s Australian Screen Research Collection (ASRC) Coordinator, Olympia Barron, is delivering the keynote address – focusing on the recovery and renewal of archived material. 

"RMIT is proud to be the custodians of the ASRC which is such a significant collection," Olympia said.

"It offers a unique insight into the shifting stories told through film and television in Australia over time, and we’re dedicated to keeping it accessible, explored, and celebrated for generations to come."

The Australian Media Traditions Conference runs Thursday 4 – Friday 5 September at the RMIT city campus. Conference registration is open here.   

21 August 2025

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21 August 2025

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