IF you’re interested in Timor Leste, you won’t want to miss the Canberra premiere of the documentary “Breaking the news,” screening today at the ANU. 

The film will be introduced by the First Secretary for Timor Leste, then later film director Nicholas Hansen will be on hand for a post-screening Q&A.

Hosted by the Asia-Pacific Learning Community and Canberra Friends of Dili, Hansen’s documentary explores the stories behind the stories, demonstrating why even the most revered international media need to be questioned.

One veteran journo told “CityNews”, the most interesting part is “how it shows Australian and other overseas journalists absorb/redirect the time of the local journos by employing them, on big money, as fixers. Domestic news gathering appears to suffer as a consequence.”

“Breaking the News” challenges the notion that a free press automatically comes with independence. It also looks at local journalists Jose Belo and Rosa Garcia, two East Timorese journalists caught in the political turmoil of their country, who regularly put themselves and their families at risk by reporting corruption and injustice.

“Breaking the News,” Copland Theatre, ANU, 6.30pm, Friday, August 24, Free Entry.