Celebrating the Journey of the Casa de Produção Audiovisual (CPA) in Timor-Leste.
For 25 years, the Casa de Produção Audiovisual (CPA) has been a dynamic presence in Timor-Leste — committed to making media relevant and meaningful to the needs of the Timorese State, Nation, and most importantly, its people.
Through the unwavering support of the Jesuits in Timor, particularly Fr. Ruedy Hoffmann SJ, a bold vision was born — a vision rooted in the power of communication. This vision sought to inform, inspire and connect the people of Timor-Leste through audiovisual storytelling.
A Vision Rooted in History and Hope
At a crucial moment in Timor’s nation-building, CPA launched its foundational series in 2002 and 2004:
“Istória ba Futuru, Povo nia Matenek, Povo nia Fiar” (History for the Future (2002), People’s Wisdom, People’s Faith(2004)).
These programs asked important questions: How does Timor move forward without losing its soul? Can the wisdom and faith of its people shape a united future?
In 2013, this vision expanded into a full-scale movement:
DALAN Ba FUTURU – The Path to the Future Project.
More than just a media campaign, this project called on every Timorese—everywhere—to participate in shaping the nation. Staying true to its motto, CPA became a VOICE FOR THE VOICELESS: for rural communities, the marginalized, and those living on the edges of society.
But being a “VOICE FOR THE VOICELESS” has never meant speaking for others. At CPA, it means amplifying voices, engaging decision-makers, and ensuring that national development reflects the realities of the people.
Empowering Youth: A Stage for Change
As part of DALAN ba FUTURU, CPA initiated two flagship programs:
Timorese Youth for Change (TY4C) and Timorese Youth Film Festival. These programs give young Timorese a stage to dance, to speak, and to imagine. It provided a platform for youth to showcase creativity, express their hopes, and develop essential media skills for the future.
Our Mission: More Than Media
CPA’s mission is clear. It aims to:
- Produce powerful, relevant audiovisual content that informs, educates, and inspires
- Build media production capacity among Timorese youth
- Amplify underrepresented voices, especially women, youth, and rural communities
- Foster critical reflection and media literacy across society.
“At CPA, a camera is never just a tool. It’s a bridge—a bridge to dialogue, healing, empowerment and transformation.”
Looking Forward, With Faith
Today, as CPA and the Jesuits in Timor take the next step—forming a foundation for the future—we do so with confidence and a deep sense of mission. Ultimately, as faithfullness, we recognize our work serves a higher purpose: the salvation of souls through truth, justice, and compassionate storytelling.
This 25-year journey has been made possible by the dedication of journalists, producers, editors, past and present—whose passion and integrity have shaped CPA’s legacy.
We express heartfelt gratitude to Fr. Ruedy Hoffmann SJ—for his vision and devotion to Timor-Leste through the Casa de Produção Audiovisual (CPA).
To our valued partners— Radio e Televisão Timor-Leste (RTTL), GMNtv, Luta Hamutuk, Provedoria dos Direitos Humanos e Justiça (PDHJ), Lao Hamutuk, AGIAMUNDO, Secretário de Estado Para a Comunicação Social (SECOMS), Gabinete de Apoio à Sociedade Civil (GASC), Jesuit institutions, FOKUPERS—thank you for walking with us in solidarity and collaboration.
To our donors and supporters—your generosity fuels CPA’s ability to innovate, to reach remote corners of Timor, and to be a voice where none has been heard.
Looking ahead, as the world continues to change rapidly—with the rise of the digital revolution, social media, and new forms of storytelling—these developments bring both challenges and opportunities. I believe that, with the same spirit of innovation and dedication, CPA will continue to adapt, lead, and remain a trusted voice for years to come. [Taibessi, Dili – June 3, 2025.]
[All original text in Tetum, a speech from the Director of CPA- Rui Muakandala.]
[Edited by: Iriana Soares-ETR Communications Officer]
