www.aherosjourney.info
A HERO’S JOURNEY to forgiveness with Xanana Gusmao of East Timor What’s the documentary about? A HERO’S JOURNEY is an exploration of the nature and power of Forgiveness. East Timor’s leader and President, Xanana Gusmao, is the vehicle of this exploration. His story is a microcosm of the history of Timor-Leste’s (East Timor) struggle for independence, and the young country’s current fight for freedom from hatred, and for a viable future as an independent nation. Gusmao’s long journey through war and prison, and his personal transformation from bitterness to “peace of mind” tells an intimate and empowering story of the courageous journey to forgiveness and true liberty.
Why watch this film? A HERO’S JOURNEY is the only documentary fully narrated by a Head of State. It is the first and only film in which President Xanana Gusmao has ever agreed to be personally engaged. The entire filming itinerary was arranged exclusively for this documentary and Gusmao traveled expressly for this production. This story is a journey of multiple dimensions: of personal transformation through war, prison, sacrifice and hatred to forgiveness, and raising a nation from ashes. Traversing time and history, it is also a physical journey across the entire length and breadth of East Timor’s rugged terrain and breathtaking landscapes to unveil the country’s stunning beauty to the world for the very first time. An unprecedented production. Festivals
Jakarta Intl Film Festival 06 – Amnesty Intl MOVIES THAT MATTER award Australian Cinematographers Society – Gold Award cinematography Asian Festival of 1st Films 2006 – Best Documentary Award nominee DOCNZ 2006 – Best International Documentary Award finalist Sydney Film Festival 2006 – Top 3 Documentaries, Audience Award AFI Dallas International Film Festival 2007 – In Competition Melbourne International Film Festival 2006 – Official Selection Amnesty International FF Netherlands 2007 – Official Selection Bangkok International Film Festival 2007 – Official Selection
Technical
Running time Language Subtitles Format Completion
81 minutes English with some Portuguese and Tetun (Timorese) Fully subtitled in English DigiBeta PAL, 16:9 anamorphic, colour, stereo sound May 2006