PASSABE

Passabe is a village on the border between East and West Timor. For over 25 years this region has been the site of conflicts between Indonesia and East Timors independence movement. In 1999, after East-Timor voted a referendum for autonomy, pro-indonesian troupes went on a brutal rampage against political activists and civilians there. How can victims and perpetrators learn to live together again in peace?

‘In late 2003 we were invited by the UN-backed Comission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation to document its efforts at bridging deep divions in post-conflict East Timor. (…) An ex-murderer trying to come to terms with his horrific past. The wife of a jailed former militia member who has been ostracized by her community. The angry survivor of a massacre. These are the people whose lives we followed over the course of a year. (…) One years in Passabe was often trying, but also thought provoking. It exposed us to a rare and fascinating culture, and opened our eyes to issues and ideas we had never stopped to consider. The journey reshaped our perceptions of good and evil, justice and truth, forgiveness and redemption.’ James Leong and Lynn Lee

http://www.passabe.com