The Story
Circle of Silence is a powerful human drama, a cold case investigation and a politically explosive story. It is inspired by Shirley Shackleton’s Walkley Award winning book of the same name. It uncovers new evidence about the notorious 1975 murders of five Australian based journalists, the Balibó Five, killed in Portuguese Timor whilst reporting on Indonesian military incursions.
Shirley’s husband, Greg Shackleton, a Channel 7 reporter, was one of the men murdered. Shirley’s life has been marked by a fierce determination to discover the truth about the deaths and why Australia did not protest over the murders and subsequent genocide in East Timor.
She starts her own investigation following the decision by the Australian Federal Police to abandon its war crimes investigation into the Balibó Five murders due to
‘insufficient evidence’. Shirley disagrees with the decision and travels to Timor Leste and Indonesia to discover startling new evidence about the crime.
Shirley Shackleton’s passing in January was a great sorrow and loss to many around the world who loved and respected Shirley. Timor-Leste President, José Ramos-Horta, wrote: ‘forever we will remember you, your soul rests with us.’ Resistance leader and former Prime Minister, Xanana Gusmão said, ‘Shirley was fearless and unrelenting in her pursuit of truth. With her formidable spirit and charisma, she fought for justice for the Balibó Five and the Timorese people.’ Bernard Collaery declared she was an Australian hero, ‘Shirley was for many years part of the very slender conscience of Australia.’
The Impact Campaign
Shirley Shackleton wanted Circle of Silence to be shown in Timor-Leste. Profits from Australian screenings will go to funding this important initiative to screen the film in open air cinemas to communities throughout Timor.
The Team
DIRECTORS: Luigi Acquisto, Lurdes Pires
PRODUCERS: Stella Zammataro, Bety Reis
WRITERS: Shirley Shackleton, Luigi Acquisto
Distribution & Booking Details
Circle of Silence is distributed through Demand Films. Check the web site for planned screenings in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Darwin, Canberra, Newcastle, Hobart, Adelaide, Perth, Ballarat, Castlemaine and Warrnambool.
Trailer, Screening Information & Tickets https://au.demand.film/circle-of-silence/
Running time: 88 mins. Year Produced: 2023. Language: English & Tetun with English subtitles.
Confirmed Screenings
Melbourne: Date: Wed, May 3, 2023 6:30PM (Q&A)
Where: Classic Cinemas Elsternwick, 9 Gordon St, Elsternwick, Victoria, 3185, Australia
Shirley Shackleton passed away in January this year. This special premiere screening of Circle of Silence is a memorial event to honour her rich life. There will be tributes by Steve Bracks, former Premier of Victoria and Patron of the Balibó o House Trust and Kirsty Sword Gusmao, Founder and Chair of the Alola Foundation in Timo- Leste.
Brisbane: Date: Wed, May 3, 2023 6:30PM
Where: Palace James St. 39 James St, FORTITUDE VALLEY, Queensland, 4006, Australia
There will be a tribute to Shirley Shackleton by Gil Scrine. Gil has made political documentaries such as Buried Alive: The Story of East Timor (Winner AFI Award). Shirley was a great inspiration to Gil’s film and solidarity work.
Hobart: Date: Wed, May 3, 2023 6:30PM
Where: Village Cinemas Hobart, 181 Collins Street, Hobart, Tasmania, 7000, Australia
Canberra: Date: Wed, May 3, 2023 6:30PM
Where: TBC
Sydney: Date: Thu, May 4, 2023 6:30PM (Q&A)
Where: Ritz Cinema. 45 St Pauls St,, Randwick, New South Wales, 2031, Australia
Geelong: Date: Tue, May 9, 2023 6:30PM (Q&A)
Where: Village Cinemas Geelong. 194-200 Ryrie St, Geelong, Victoria, 3220, Australia
