| Session 43 Sunday April 26, 9:00pm – 10:30pm AMC/LOEWS Boston Common: 175 Tremont St. Boston |
40 years of Silence an Indonesian tragedy 87min
“40 Years of Silence: An Indonesian Tragedy” is a moving
feature length documentary film about one of the most
horrific chapters in Indonesia’s history.
In one of the largest unknown mass killings of the 20th
century, an estimated 500,000 to 1,000,000 people were
secretly and systematically killed in 1965-1966, when
General Suharto began a bloody purge of suspected
communists throughout Indonesia.
Under his authoritarian rule, any discussion, recognition or
memorializing of the mass killings that differed from the
Suharto’s official state narrative was quickly suppressed.
“40 Years of Silence: An Indonesian Tragedy” follows the
compelling testimonies of four individuals and their families
from Central Java and Bali, two regions heavily affected by
the purge.
As they break their silence publicly for the first time, each
family provides an intimate and frightening look at what it was
like for survivors of the mass killings.
In chilling detail, they describe the events of 1965 through
their own experiences; re-living and reflecting upon the
stigmatization and brutalization that they continue to endure
on both the village and state levels. Over time, the survivors
and their families attempt to find ways to deal with a tragedy
that was not openly recognized by their neighbors,
government or the world.
Through their stories, the audience will come to understand
modern-day Indonesia’s potential for retribution,
rehabilitation and reconciliation within this troubled historical
context. The characters’ narratives illustrate that such
violence creates tears in the social and political fabric of
society, which can take generations to heal.
Director & Producer: Robert Lemelson
| Ticket for this session will be available at the door |
