The mass killings that took place in Indonesia starting in 1965 were a big topic during its 50th anniversary last year, despite the Indonesian government’s attempts to censor discussions about the controversial topic. But 1965 is set to be in the spotlight once again with news that “The Look of Silence”, a critically acclaimed documentary on the subject, has earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary.
“The Look of Silence”, from American director Joshua Oppenheimer and a team of Indonesian filmmakers (who have chosen to remain anonymous to protect their safety), tells the story of Adi, an optometrist whose brother was one of the estimated 500,000 to 1 million civilians killed during the massacres, as he confronts the thugs behind his brother’s murder. It’s a companion piece to his 2012 documentary “The Act of Killing,” which also got an Oscar nomination.
Although it has already earned a long list of prestigious awards, including the Grand Jury Prize at the Venice International Film Festival, many critics have argued that “The Look of Silence” deserves much more recognition. Some, led by the AV Club’s AA Dowd, have argued that it should have earned a best picture nod.
In a statement reacting to the news of the nomination, Oppenheimer said, “It’s incredibly humbling to be nominated again with The Look of Silence. We could not have made these films without our anonymous Indonesian crew, and our gentle protagonist, Adi Rukun, who risked their lives to share their story. While the genocide began years ago, it hasn’t ended for the survivors because the perpetrators still hold power, and millions still live in fear. The Act of Killing helped transform the way Indonesia talks about its past. The Look of Silence helped Indonesia express its yearning for truth, justice, and reconciliation. We hope this nomination makes this dream a reality.”
Although “The Act of Killing” failed to win the Oscar, some have speculated that “The Look of Silence” could have a much stronger chance since voters could see voting for it as a combined vote for both films.
It would be quite interesting to see how the Indonesian government would react to “The Look of Silence” winning the award and thrusting the 1965 mass killings into the global spotlight. They certainly couldn’t censor all of the ensuing discussions about the films and the massacres, not matter how hard they tried.
This year’s Oscar awards ceremony will take place on February 28.
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