'The Act of Killing' helps Indonesia confront its dark past
Photos: The Act of Killing
Living in fear and confronting the past – "The Act of Killing," a 2012 documentary, follows unrepentant death squad leader Anwar Congo, center, as he and others reenact their violent acts from 48 years ago. It has had a big impact in Indonesia as the country struggles to address the anti-communist purges that led to an estimated 1 million deaths.
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Photos: The Act of Killing
The Act of Killing – Adi Zulkadry and Anwar Congo in full makeup. The film has been made available to watch for free online for all Indonesians from September 30, the anniversary of the 1965 military coup that led to the anti-communists purges across the country.
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Photos: The Act of Killing
The Act of Killing – Joshua Oppenheimer took seven years to make the film using many local crew members, but did not know the impact it would have. "Ten years ago maybe too many people were actually involved, complicit with the military dictatorship... but now younger Indonesians are saying 'I want my country to function.'"
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