Subjects: Human Rights, South East Asian Studies, Feminist Film
Intrigue. Romance. Revolution. It all comes together in this action-packed documentary which chronicles the tumultuous birth of a new nation in East Timor through a never-before-seen perspective. Kirsty Sword, a young Australian activist, aspired to be a documentary filmmaker, but instead she became a revolutionary.
Working for the underground Timorese resistance in Jakarta, she adopted the nom de guerre Ruby Blade. As Ruby Blade, she became a courier shuttling correspondence in and out of the notorious Cipinang Prison where the enigmatic leader of the resistance, Kay Rala “Xanana” Gusmao, was serving life in prison for his revolutionary activities. Through correspondence, they fell in love. Along the way Sword filmed her journey, even managing to smuggle a video camera in to the prison. The result is a surprisingly intimate perspective on the inspirational story of the ultimate triumph of freedom in East Timor.
A testament to the human capacity for hope to overcome fear, Alias Ruby Blade demonstrates that ordinary individuals, armed with little more than moral courage, have the power to change the course of history - a lesson that resonates powerfully around the world today.
IN THE PRESS:
"This inspiring and enlightening documentary about an extraordinary relationship, which formed in the most unlikely of situations, is wholly engaging and incredibly absorbing." - ViewLondon
AWARDS & SCREENINGS:
Winner - 2014 Cinema For Peace Award - Most Valuable Doc of the Year Nominated @ 2013 Tribeca Film Festival for Best Documentary Feature Winner - Best Life Award - 2013 Biografilm Festival IDFA, World Premiere Human Rights Watch Film Festival