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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 81 minutes

Language English with some Portuguese and Tetun (Timorese)
Subtitles Fully subtitled in English
Format DigiBeta PAL, 16:9 anamorphic, colour, stereo sound
Completion May 2006