Answered By Fire

In 1999, Indonesia agreed to a referendum on the future of East Timor, having occupied the country for 24 years. Two hundred and eighty-two international police officers volunteered to organise and protect the ballot under the United Nations' supervision. Security was provided by the Indonesian militia. A story of worlds in collision, based on true-life events, Answered By Fire sees two UN volunteers take on more than they bargained for in this fast-paced, action driven drama.

Arriving in the town of Nunura, Zoe Brennan (Oscar nominee ISABELLE BLAIS - Les Aimants, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind) is forced to drive through a military blockade just to gain entry to the UN base. Seconds later, as she is introduced to commanding officer Mark Waldman (DAVID WENHAM - Van Helsing, Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King) and handsome Timorese interpreter Ismenio Soares, the militia launch an attack on them. It is led by Sico, who will stop at nothing to sabotage the ballot, even intimidating his own cousin Ismenio, and his pro-independent family.

Unprepared for the bloody reality, Mark and Zoe, with help from Ismenio, struggle to protect the Timorese. They find themselves entangled in a web of politics, amidst an atmosphere of increasing violence and mistrust. Zoe risks a perilous trip into the hills to persuade the 300 guerillas hiding out there to vote, whilst Mark wrestles with the local police to disarm the rebel forces. Emotions run high as they become deeply involved with the local people - and each other.

After the UN withdraw, Timor is plunged into lawlessness and is set ablaze by the Indonesian militia. Haunted by guilt at abandoning those they promised to protect, Mark and Zoe return. Seeking out Ismenio, Zoe finds he is no longer the man she left behind.

As much a story of courage and love, Power brings to television Answered By Fire, a riveting dramatisation of a monumental, gripping and intense international event.