Rosa Martins, a young widow, lives with three of her sons in a shack she built herself in East Timor’s capital, Dili. After 18 months of saving, she finally has the money to travel to two distant orphanages where, in desperation, she had sent her three older children. Despite the difficulties she faces, Rosa is determined to give her sons and daughters a good education and the opportunities denied her by war and poverty.

Narrated by Cate Blanchett.

A Film Australia National Interest Program in association with Abracadabra Film and Television Productions. Developed with the assistance of Film Victoria. Produced with the assistance of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. © National Film and Sound Archive of Australia.