Lurdes Pires

An exploration of East Timor through the symbolism of the rooster, questioning traditions, confronting ethics and human needs. From rituals to economics and gender, it reveals the complexities of a post-conflict society in one of the youngest countries.

During Timor's brutal occupation by Indonesia thousands of children were stolen, as were many of the country's resources. This is 'Jose' Abdul Rahman's story. In 1978 Jose, eight at the time, was hiding on Mount Matebian when a plane dropped a bomb, killing 22 of his family. He survived, fled the mountain and started following an Indonesian Battalion. The soldiers forced Jose, and many other boys, to work as porters. In 1979 the soldiers took the children by ship to Indonesia.

Beatriz’s young husband disappears during the brutal Kraras massacre by occupying Indonesian forces, sixteen years later she is troubled by his return; is this mysterious stranger her husband, an impostor, or a spirit?

An exploration of East Timor through the symbolism of the rooster, questioning traditions, confronting ethics and human needs. From rituals to economics and gender, it reveals the complexities of a post-conflict society in one of the youngest countries.

An exploration of East Timor through the symbolism of the rooster, questioning traditions, confronting ethics and human needs. From rituals to economics and gender, it reveals the complexities of a post-conflict society in one of the youngest countries.

During Timor's brutal occupation by Indonesia thousands of children were stolen, as were many of the country's resources. This is 'Jose' Abdul Rahman's story. In 1978 Jose, eight at the time, was hiding on Mount Matebian when a plane dropped a bomb, killing 22 of his family. He survived, fled the mountain and started following an Indonesian Battalion. The soldiers forced Jose, and many other boys, to work as porters. In 1979 the soldiers took the children by ship to Indonesia.

Beatriz’s young husband disappears during the brutal Kraras massacre by occupying Indonesian forces, sixteen years later she is troubled by his return; is this mysterious stranger her husband, an impostor, or a spirit?