Plot

A gripping profile of Australian academic Des Ball who counseled against nuclear escalation and was hailed by Jimmy Carter for averting potential crisis. An insight into Australia's role in global strategy, defense and surveillance.

Twilight Time: Desmond Ball (1947-2016), 'insurgent intellectual', was hailed by Jimmy Carter as "the man who saved the world" as he established the fallacy of the doctrine of 'limited' nuclear war. His study of Pine Gap - in the heart of Australia's central desert - infuriated Australia's defence establishment. Des Ball's curiosity and commitments offer a window on Australia's involvement on behalf of the United States in nuclear war fighting, mass surveillance, global strategy and defence. Des' work on Australian signals intelligence in Timor-Leste informed Australian citizens on issues governments prefer remain secret. He trekked deep into the sensitive borderlands of Burma and Thailand advising persecuted minorities on signals intelligence. Des Ball made a difference; his insights are everyday more urgent.

TWILIGHT TIME casts a new light in dark times, and offers stories essential for a public informed about strategic decisions our government makes in our name. Desmond Ball's work repeatedly opened this territory up for public debate. He thought a public informed about defence planning and security was essential for Australian democracy.

It is hoped that people who see the film will be motivated to ask questions and examine more closely the debates and policies that impact on Australia's relations with our neighbors and our future as a democratic country. It is hoped audiences will discuss the film with others. They may be curious, for example, if it matters whether Australia can be a partner to the International Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons; they may wish to take action in support of the Treaty. Audiences may be intrigued to learn more about War Powers and how Australian citizens' capacity to influence decisions in this space compare with others. People who see the film might be reminded of US President John F. Kennedy's famous remark about people we admire and are grateful to: "we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them". Des Ball's story is an exemplary instance of one who rigorously examined facts, matching his knowledge with actions.