We have heard about the attack on reporters in East Timor in the late 1980's where Pacifica Radio Network journalist, Amy Goodman, nearly lost her life. Goodman, known for her work on the daily Network radio program, DEMOCRACY NOW, was not the first. The new Australian film, BALIBO, recounts the ordeal of the citizens of East Timor in the mid-1970's, as the Vietnam War was winding down. Lost in that time, was the invasion by Indonesian forces that critics say both U.S. and Australian government officials had a hand in. This movie, like the Oliver Stone Film of the 1990's, JFK, raises serious and disturbing questions over the fate of five Australian journalists who died at the hands of the Indonesian government forces. Whatever became of them, no one knows for sure. But, it is clear that the five likely died at the hands of the invaders. This is a deeply moving story and, no matter what you think about journalists or the job they do, they are the instant historians of our times. This movie looks back makes the audience think just what this means and how such events are swept under the rug and, kept away from public view. This is a feature film worth a look. Australian officials, as a result, have asked the Indonesians for a re-examination of those events left under a cloud of mystery and unanswered questions.

The movie BALIBO stars Anthony Lapaglia and Oscar Isaac as the principle characters in the movie. Lapaglia, photo left, is known to U.S. audiences from film and television series since the 1980's. One is the movie INNOCENT BLOOD, the Pittsburgh Vampire movie that received rave reviews using humor and horror. This may be his best work as an actor.

One image from the movie, BALIBO, of four of the five journalists running for their lives as they are chased by Indonesian invaders. The story is gripping using facts from a part of the world most of us have never visited, know little about but, one the world media has largely ignored. A powerful film based on a true story.

This is a film that should not be missed where ever you may be, or live. For those who like suspense and, love films with an Alfred Hitchcock twist, this is the movie for you. But, the tale of this movie is more than simply the story of a lost Australian saga. It is the story of everyman in search of a better life, but who, gets caught in a web of terror. This is also a movie with a story. Some call it a lost masterpiece that was rescued, restored and now, nearly forty years later, re-discovered. Below are a few images of a tale not told of many films. The story of WAKE IN FRIGHT is compelling. It comes from the 1961 novel by Kenneth Cook that tells an Australian story that is fascinating and terrifying all at once. Wake in Fright is a movie that should not be missed. The Australian story is more than that of Gallipoli, Paul Hogan and, Kangaroos. But, one that also takes place in the heartland of this vast and complex nation. This is 'Not As It Is,' but rather, one story that gives insight into the Australian story and, society. I highly recommend this tale of a nearly forgotten film to, not only the English speaking world but, to those interested in seeing an unusual story from a country with a unique history. Check this one out!

This film, from the book of the same name and written by Kenneth Cook, was first released in 1971 and, was the Australian representative at the Cannes Film Festival that year. The release of the movie in U.S. theaters was in July but, was re-named OUTBACK. There were several alterations of it, including the opening and end titles and, one scene re-done with the star of the movie, Gary Bond, appearing in underpants, rather than the naked scene in the original. The movie then disappeared but, did manage to surface in different formats, including VHS in North America. From 1972 through 2002, this film was lost. In early 2002, the original negatives for Wake In Fright were located in a Pittsburgh vault marked for destruction! From that year until now, the film was carefully restored, through digital means because of significant scratching and color fade to the negatives.

Above, details of the journey of a lost Australian masterpiece and, how this film, thought lost, was rediscovered, re-processed and, re-released. This is a film not to be missed.