Where the Sun Rises (2006)

The President of East Timor (Timor-Leste), Xanana Gusmao, takes us on a breathtaking and intimate journey. Revelations from the 24-year Resistance against Indonesian occupation, to the present-day challenges of the world's youngest nation. The struggle against foreign occupation has ended, but the fight to build a new nation from ashes, and against poverty, incompetence, corruption and hatred is just beginning. This is a story about the courageous journey from war and sacrifice to forgiveness and reconciliation - a powerful and universal theme which transcends all geographical, cultural and ethnic boundaries. It is humanity's struggle. President Gusmao is our guide throughout this arduous journey. He reveals his Timor, through his eyes and from his heart. We hear him speak in 4 languages: English, Portuguese, Indonesian and his native Tetun. As we traverse this mystical land of cloud-enshrouded mountains, emerald jungles and turquoise seas, he is the conduit to other colourful characters with powerful personal stories: An old man tortured and mutilated by fellow Timorese as well as Indonesian soldiers, but who calls on all to "Be free... including from hatred"; a nun who witnessed the massacre of hundreds; the man who betrayed Gusmao into Indonesian hands. Firsts: The physical journey reveals the raw, awesome beauty of Timor-Leste to the world for the very first time. This unprecedented production took the President and film crew across the entire length and breadth of the rugged country. Gusmao also returns to the jail in Indonesia where he was a political prisoner for 7 years, and meets again his former prison guards... This is the first-ever documentary film fully narrated by a Head of State in the first person. Along A HERO'S JOURNEY, we consider the power and potential of forgiveness for ending cycles of violence, and freeing peoples and lives.