President Ramos-Horta receives former head of UNAMET Ian Martin ahead of the Launch of the Documentary “Resistência”
DÍLI, 28 September 2026 (TATOLI) – The President of the Republic, Jose Ramos-Horta received today in an audience, at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace, the former Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and former Head of UNAMET, Ian Martin.
The meeting marks the British diplomat’s return to Timor-Leste to participate in the official premiere of the historical documentary “Resistência”, a work of profound national relevance that portrays the long and heroic struggle of the Timorese people for self-determination, culminating in the 1999 referendum.
During the meeting, both figures recalled the genesis of this important cinematic project, which was born about two years ago during an official visit by the Head of State to London.
On that occasion, Ian Martin suggested to the President of the Republic the need to produce a comprehensive documentary record that would preserve and immortalize Timor-Leste’s history and sacrifices. This suggestion has now materialized into a work of great historical and cultural significance.
The documentary gathers archival footage of inestimable value and prominently highlights the crucial role played by the current President of the Republic in the resistance both on the internal front and in international diplomacy as well as the fundamental leadership of the Prime Minister.
The former head of UNAMET also revealed that the premiere screening will hold a special symbolism, as it will mark the first time the Head of State watches the film in its entirety.
Leaving the audience, Ian Martin expressed his deep satisfaction and privilege to return to the country and witness the realization of this initiative.
To ensure that the legacy of the struggle for national liberation endures and reaches all citizens, a wide distribution and screening of the documentary “Resistência” is planned throughout the national territory over the course of the year, ensuring that new generations have access to this fundamental piece of the Timorese collective memory.
TATOLI
