University of Coimbra launches online platform to promote the audiovisual archive of journalist Max Stahl
The new website is being developed by UC Framework.
English version by Diana Taborda
The University of Coimbra (UC) has just launched the "Max Stahl Digital Collections", an online platform with content collected and produced by the journalist, which has been digitally restored using artificial intelligence. The initiative coincides with the 20th anniversary of Timor-Leste's restoration of independence.
The journalist, who died in 2021, was a pivotal figure in the coverage and dissemination of the armed conflict in Timor-Leste, and in particular the Santa Cruz massacre perpetrated by Indonesian troops against peaceful demonstrators in Dili in 1991. His was the only live footage of the tragic event. Stahl's courage, humanity and professionalism helped make the world aware of what the Timorese people were going through during the Indonesian occupation.
Max Stahl had a close relationship with the University of Coimbra, which in 2016 signed an agreement with the "Max Stahl Audiovisual Centre for Timor-Leste" (CAMSTL) to restore and preserve this important legacy in digital format. The UC wants to honour this important legacy, and the new online platform is key to promoting the dissemination of the reporter's work, which played a crucial role in Timor-Leste's independence process.
The official launch ceremony was attended by Delfim Leão, UC Vice-Rector for Culture and Open Science, Cristina Freitas, Director of the UC Archive, Jorge Gamito, Project Management Director of UC Framework, and Amílcar Falcão, Rector of the UC.