Closing the silence on the Balibò Five
Image: Shirley Shackleton and Greg Shackleton.
In 1975, five Australian journalists were murdered by Indonesian soldiers in the small town of Balibò, East Timor. They were reporting on the impending invasion of East Timor by Indonesia. A full investigation was never mounted and Australian government leaders have successively remained silent on the matter.
Shirley Shackleton, however, has not. Shackleton’s husband, Greg, was one of the five reporters killed. They were all aged in their twenties: reporter Greg Shackleton, 29, and sound recordist Tony Stewart, 21 (Australia); cameraman, Gary Cunningham, 27 (New Zealand); cameraman Brian Peters, 24, and reporter Malcolm Rennie, 29, (UK).
From the time she received the news about the death of her husband in October 1975, until her own death in January this year, Shirley Shackleton has fought, protested, and advocated for the truth to be uncovered.
Her book, The Circle of Silence, published in 2010, earned Shackleton a Walkley Award and inspired a new documentary film by the same title. It describes Shackleton’s tenacious personal investigation into the crime committed in Balibò, as well as the injustices that continue to plague East Timor (Timor Leste).
It is also a story of love and devotion that extended beyond the grave.
The film uncovers new evidence and includes interviews and historical footage. It was completed in 2022, just before Shackleton’s death this year.
An exclusive screening of the film is being held at the Randwick Ritz on May 4, 6:30pm, followed by a filmed Q&A with the filmmakers.
For tickets and info visit: tickets.demand.film
