Documentary backdrop image for The Diplomat (2000)

200052 minPGdocumentary

4.0/ 10(3 ratings)• TMDB

Historical Events

Deep Dive

The Diplomat

200052 minPGdocumentary

4.0/ 10(3 ratings)• TMDB

Deep Dive

A 1999 referendum in East Timor resulted in a decisive vote for independence from Indonesian rule, following years of struggle led by José Ramos Horta.

Historical Events

Genres

Biography

Director

Tom Zubrycki

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Synopsis

A 1999 referendum in East Timor resulted in a decisive vote for independence from Indonesian rule, following years of struggle led by José Ramos Horta.

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Tom Zubryckidirector

Geoff Barterwriter

Wilson da Silvawriter

Ali Alatascast

Bill Clintoncast

Synopsis

José Ramos Horta stands at the forefront of East Timor's struggle for independence from Indonesian rule. The film captures key moments in this fight, including the fall of Indonesian President Suharto in 1998, which set the stage for a 1999 referendum. This vote resulted in a clear decision for independence, but it was followed by violent backlash. The United Nations intervened, leading to Ramos Horta's eventual return to East Timor, where he reaffirmed his commitment to peace amid ongoing challenges.

Deep Dive

Why Watch

Meet Jose Ramos Horta, a key figure in East Timor's independence.
See unique newsreel footage with striking visual effects.
Find out about the political events that shaped East Timor.

Did You Know

The Diplomat won Best Documentary at the 2000 Australian Film Institute Awards.
Tom Zubrycki won Best Direction in a Documentary at the same awards.
The film has a runtime of 52 minutes, making it relatively short for its subject matter.
Bill Clinton, Ali Alatas, and Kofi Annan are among the notable figures featured in the film.

Perfect For

East Timor historyPolitical documentariesHuman rights activism

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who directed The Diplomat?

The Diplomat was directed by Tom Zubrycki.

What awards did The Diplomat win at the 2000 Australian Film Institute Awards?

The Diplomat won Best Documentary and Best Direction in a Documentary at the 2000 Australian Film Institute Awards.

What is the runtime of The Diplomat?

The runtime of The Diplomat is 52 minutes.

Awards & Festivals

Australian Film Institute Awards

2000 • Official selection

Awards & Festivals

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