Balibo
Robert Connolly, 2008
synopsis
A tense political thriller, BALIBO recreates events surrounding the shooting of five Australian journalists during Indonesia’s invasion of East Timor in 1975. BALIBO is told through the eyes of a sixth Australian, Roger East, who is lured to East Timor to investigate the truth behind the death of the five men, who were supposedly “caught in cross-fire” during the invasion. East discovers to his own detriment that the quest to uncover the truth is highly dangerous.
Anthony LaPaglia has taken a break from work in the US to play the lead role of East. It is his first appearance in an Australian film since his outstanding performance in the box office hit LANTANA.
The screenplay for BALIBO was co-written by Robert Connolly (producer, THE BOYS, ROMULUS MY FATHER; director, THE BANK, THREE DOLLARS) and playwright David Williamson (THE YEAR OF LIVING DANGEROUSLY, DON’S PARTY). Connolly will direct BALIBO, with John Maynard (ROMULUS, THE BOYS, SWEETIE) and Rebecca Williamson producing.
“I'm looking forward to returning home to work again,” says LaPaglia. “It’s such an inspiring team and an important story for Australia and the region.”
