This is a well-made and thought-provoking account of the fight for freedom in East Timor - as seen through the eyes of "the diplomat" Jose Ramos Horta, criss-crossing the globe and lobbying governments and individuals to take up the cause of his people. The makers had the good fortune to be filming as the East Timorese  voted overwhelmingly for independence from Indonesia. While there was a bloody aftermath to the vote it proved the turning point in the generation-long fight for independence, and the film captures the historic moment when Horta and Xanana Gusmao (now president) were able to return to their homeland, amid great celebration. There is horror, humour, sorrow and great joy in this documentary, and it's deserved every award it has received.

The biography, or "biopic", is a genre that portrays the life story of a real person, often a notable individual or historical figure. They aim to provide a depiction of the subject's personal history, achievements, challenges, and impact on society.

Ben Kingsley, Rohini Hattangadi, and Geraldine James in Gandhi (1982)

The documentary is a form of non-fiction storytelling that aims to present factual information, insights, and perspectives on real-world subjects, events, issues, or people. Documentaries can cover a wide range of topics, including history, science, culture, social issues, nature, biographies, and more.

Dziga Vertov in Man with a Movie Camera (1929)

The history genre features recounting and analyzing past events, societies, cultures, and historical figures. This genre aims to provide insights into the development of civilizations, the causes and consequences of historical events, and the impact of individuals and ideas on the course of history.

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2026 Fall TV and Streaming Watch Guide

&quot;The Gentlemen&quot; and &quot;Slow Horses&quot; return this fall, while the &quot;Reacher&quot; spin-off series &quot;Neagley&quot; makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

Get a closer look at these actors from their many TV and streaming series roles.

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