Worth: $17.00
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Cast:
Shirley Shackleton, Greg Shackleton, Lurdes Pires
Intro:
An important film, Circle of Silence tells a complex history with great clarity.
This understated documentary takes a little while to find its feet. But when it does, the co-production between Australia and Timor-Leste gives the viewer plenty to contemplate – from the personal to the big picture political.
Shirley Shackleton is this film’s heart and soul. Shirley – co-writer and narrator – is the widow of Greg Shackleton, who was a Channel 7 reporter and one of the Balibo Five.
The Balibo Five were a group of Australian journalists who were brutally murdered in 1975 in what was then called Portuguese Timor, just before Indonesia came marching in. There has been no justice and, evidently, a cover up… A series of photos show Indonesia’s President Suharto cosying up to successive Australian prime ministers (and a koala), and, according to the voices here and elsewhere, Australia has a lot to answer for.
Dewy-eyed Whitlamites be warned – you’re in for some uncomfortable viewing. The documentary exposes a national shame that not enough Australians are aware of: this country’s reluctance to upset its relationship with Indonesia at the expense of doing the right thing by the families of the Balibo Five as well as the East Timorese.
Shirley – whose anger is undiminished – has dedicated her life to finding answers and justice. It’s revealed fairly early on that she and Greg were estranged at the time of his murder. She says that she “was not happy with him at the time that he was killed” but she still knew “he was a very good friend”.
There are a few revelations here, but one is so stunning that it will make you see the film’s opening scene – at the Balibo Five’s gravesite in Jakarta – in a different light. There are also excellent interviews, including James Dunn, the former Consul General to East Timor, and the academic Clinton Fernandes, who gives the situation a clear political perspective. There are some shocking facts, which are not just part of the past but reach into the present.
An important film, Circle of Silence tells a complex history with great clarity. It’s a moving and emotional story – made even more so knowing that Shirley passed away in January of this year. She’s left behind a legacy as a respected and inspirational figure, and a champion for the rights of the East Timorese.
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
Screening Information & Tickets https://au.demand.film/circle-of-silence/
