Learning from the pros: Tutor’s Timor doco screens at NZBS

_{Jeff Hampton answers questions following the special screening the NZBS TV studio} 

New Zealand Broadcasting School (NZBS) journalism tutor Jeff Hampton has brought his latest project, Back to Timor, to the big screen as a learning experience for students at Ara Institute of Canterbury.

The special screening for Bachelor of Broadcasting Communication students at Ara came in the same week he presented the film to invited guests at the Beehive.

The documentary follows the emotional journey of Kiwi military veterans returning to East Timor, 25 years after serving as peacekeepers. Their return was marked by reflection and tragedy - six of their comrades had died during the mission, including Private Leonard Manning, who was killed in an enemy ambush.

After the screening, students had the chance to quiz Hampton on every aspect of the production, from concept to completion. Topics ranged from securing funding and sponsorship to working with talent, post-production, editing and equipment logistics.

NZBS Programme Leader Karen Neill described the event as both a celebration of Hampton’s stellar work and a valuable educational experience as students begin to prepare for their upcoming major multi-media project.

“They’ve had the chance to speak to Jeff about the process of securing funding or finding sponsors and broadcasters for New Zealand content,” she said.

Hampton noted the documentary was produced on a shoestring budget, with significant support from Ara, including access to facilities, alumni involvement and funding from the Ara Foundation.

Ara alumnus and veteran journalist Mike McRoberts, a longtime colleague of Hampton’s, contributed to the project as narrator and journalist.

Earlier in the week, Back to Timor was screened at the Beehive theatrette in an event organised by the Returned Services Association (RSA).

Attendees included politicians such as Winston Peters, Chris Penk and James Mooney, along with RSA executives, serving and retired military personnel, sponsors, and nearly all of the veterans featured in the film.

The documentary aired nationally on TV3 on Anzac Day 2025.