Robert Connolly is the writer and director of the feature films THE BANK (2001) and THREE DOLLARS (2005). He is also the producer, together with his business partner John Maynard, of the award-winning films, THE BOYS and ROMULUS MY FATHER (starring Eric Bana and Franke Potente).

Robert has garnered many awards for his work, including two AFI awards for best original screenplay for both THE BANK and THREE DOLLARS ; and Best Film for ROMULUS MY FATHER in 2007. As a director, he has screened his films in over 30 major international film festivals including the Toronto International Film Festival and San Sebastian Film Festival.

Robert received a Centenary Medal for services to the Australian Film Industry in 2001 and was part of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s 2020 ideas summit in 2008 in Canberra. He has also recently been appointed to the new board of Screen Australia.

“There are few equivalent events in Australia’s history that so clearly illustrate the clash between principle and pragmatic foreign policy – the abandonment of human rights for short term political gain. In the face of such pragmatic decision-making and blind eye turning, BALIBO looks at the role of those courageous enough to seek out the truth and to maintain the belief for an independent East Timor.”

“Traveling to East Timor to make the film was certainly one of the most extraordinary experiences for all involved, with the East Timorese welcoming us to their country and working in every area of production to assist with achieving this re-telling of their nation’s tragic history. Recreating in Balibo the footage that the Balibo Five were most likely murdered for capturing gave those sequences a tough veracity we would otherwise have struggled to achieve in any other location.”

“Balibo is a story that demands to be told. The eventual winning of independence for East Timor in 1999 is a modern miracle; a triumph for the determined population of a tiny nation lead by charismatic leaders.”

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