Horror, History, Healing: 'The Act of Killing', 'The Look of Silence' and the Indonesian Genocide

American filmmaker Joshua Oppenheimer's twin documentaries on the Indonesian genocide of 1965–1966 present us with opposing perspectives – those of persecuted and perpetrator – that confront us with the continuing reverberations of the horrific mass murders. As Anthony Carew explores, these brave pieces of cinematic testimony also highlight the power of storytelling to shape our conceptions of history, morality and humanity, as well as its ability to kindle societal change.

Additional keywords:
Talking Society, senior secondary, documentary, re-enactment, politics, Indonesia