Film Screening: Indonesia Calling

Name: Film Screening: Indonesia Calling
Start: 2026-12-04T18:00:00+11:00
End: 2026-12-04T19:30:00+11:00
Location: Northcote Library

The little-known story of Australian wharfies who backed Indonesian independence from Dutch colonial rule.

Hosted by Darebin Libraries

When

Fri 4 Dec

6:00pm–7:30pm

Where

Northcote Library

Northcote

Price

Free

No ticket needed

Good for

Everyone

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About this event

Northcote Library is hosting a rare look at a piece of Australian and Indonesian history that changed the course of both nations. This free Friday evening screening delves into the stories and solidarity that shaped post-war Melbourne and our ties with our northern neighbours.

Event details from Darebin Libraries

The little-known story of Australian wharfies who backed Indonesian independence from Dutch colonial rule.

In 1945, waterside workers and seamen across Australia refused to load Dutch ships bound for Java. Dutch filmmaker Joris Ivens captured this moment in history, making Indonesia Calling, a 22-minute film shot in secret with a team of local artists, filmmakers and activists.

John Hughes’ award-winning documentary Indonesia Calling: Joris Ivens in Australia reveals the film’s clandestine creation, the government’s response, and its lasting impact on Australia-Indonesia relations.

Exempt from classification. Parental guidance recommended for younger viewers, as the film includes archival wartime footage.

This film is not captioned. It is mostly in English, with some sections subtitled.

Runs 90 minutes.

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Image: Black and white archival photograph of Australian waterside workers standing together on a wharf, with the hull of a ship behind them.

Good to know

Written by AI from the event details · Updated 1 month ago

Northcote Library always draws a thoughtful crowd for its film nights, and this screening is a chance to experience history in a setting that feels community-driven and welcoming. The library itself is cosy, easy to get to, and has just enough buzz on a Friday evening to make it feel like a local event rather than a stuffy seminar. This is ideal for those interested in social justice, documentary film, or anyone wanting a deeper understanding of Australia's place in the region. Events like this don't come around often, especially ones that explore overlooked chapters of our shared history. It's a conversation starter for both history buffs and the simply curious.

Insider tip

Library film nights are usually first come, first served-arrive early for a good seat.