Balibo

An Australian journalist who pursues the fate of the Balibo Five and reports on the Indonesian invasion. He travels with Jose Ramos-Horta and faces capture and execution, embodying courage under peril. His investigation ties the present to the past, underscoring the costs of telling the truth.

Balibo Five member, a bold photojournalist documenting the early invasion. He and his colleagues stay with their FRETILIN guards to report the events, risking safety for the sake of truth. His actions reflect a steadfast commitment to frontline reporting.

Greg Shackleton's wife, a witness to the conflict's toll and a link to the Balibo Five's personal lives. She embodies resilience amid years of waiting and memory, illustrating the human costs behind the headlines. Her perspective anchors the emotional core of the story.

Balibo Five member, an experienced journalist contributing to frontline coverage. He shows quick thinking under pressure and a readiness to push boundaries for truth. His presence emphasizes camaraderie and risk among reporters in hostile terrain.

Balibo Five member who balances skepticism with determination to tell the story. He helps navigate dangerous encounters with Indonesian forces and local allies. His practicality keeps the group focused on documenting events as they unfold.

Balibo Five member known for resolve and quick decision-making in volatile situations. He contributes to frontline coverage and faces ethical challenges regarding safety and publication. His actions reflect the collective risk borne by journalists in conflict zones.

Balibo Five member whose calm, analytical approach helps frame the invasion coverage. He balances urgency with reporting accuracy. His experience anchors the group's mission to document truth under pressure.

East Timorese leader who accompanies journalists and participates in scenes depicting resistance and political leadership. He helps contextualize the invasion and the struggle for independence, offering a vision for Timor's future. His rallies symbolize the ongoing fight for sovereignty.

As a young girl, Juliana witnesses the massacre and is interviewed in present-day scenes. Her memory anchors the film’s emotional core, linking past violence to calls for justice. She embodies resilience and the enduring impact of trauma on a generation.

Evan Shackleton appears in the Shackleton family narrative, illustrating how the conflict echoes through generations. His scenes connect present-day reflections to the family’s history in the invasion. He represents continuity and the lasting impact of war on families.