Grand Premiering of Papa Buka by Right Honourable James Marape, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea. A movie chosen to represent Papua New Guinea in the 98th International Academy Awards

Papa Buka Movie Grand Premiering on Thursday, 18th September 2025 at 6:00 PM in Paradise Cinemas, Cinema Hall 3, Vision City, Port Moresby The historic Papua New Guinean feature film Papa Buka will have its Grand Premiering on Thursday, 18th September 2025 at Paradise Cinemas, Vision City. This premiering marks a double celebration: not only does it showcase PNG’s cultural storytelling on the big screen, but it also comes soon after the film’s selection as Papua New Guinea’s first-ever Oscar entry in the Best International Feature Film category for the 98th Academy Awards. According to Variety, the recognition of Papa Buka as the country’s debut submission represents “a milestone moment in Papua New Guinea’s cinematic history.” The PNG Oscar Selection Committee, under the National Cultural Commission, described the film’s selection as the outcome of a “rigorous evaluation process,” making it a proud achievement for the nation. Directed by internationally acclaimed filmmaker Dr. Biju (Bijukumar Damodaran), Papa Buka brings together an extraordinary collaboration between Papua New Guinea and India. The production team includes Noelene Taula Wunum (Papua New Guinea), Akshay Kumar Parija, Pa Ranjith, and Prakash Bare (India). The cast highlights cross-cultural talent, including Ritabhari Chakraborty, Prakash Bare, and PNG’s own Sine Boboro, an 85-year-old tribal leader whose role has been celebrated globally. The narrative explores untold connections between Papua New Guinea and India during World War II, while blending Tok Pisin, Hindi, and English dialogues to reflect its intercultural themes. The music score, composed by Grammy Award-winning musician Ricky Kej, further elevates the film’s global resonance. The event will be graced by distinguished leaders and dignitaries including: The Right Honorable James Marape, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea Ambassador Rajeev Kumar, High Commissioner of India to PNG Ambassador Ann Marie Yastishock, US Embassy Hon. Sasindran Muthuvel, Governor, West New Britain Mr. Steven Kilanda, Executive Director, National Cultural Commission Mr. Ivan Pomaleu, Chief Secretary to Government Mr. Kora Nou, Managing Director, NBC Mr. Masaru Mikami, CEO, Toyota Motors Prof. Ian Findlay, Vice Chancellor, UPNG Prof. Teatulohi (Lohi) Matainaho, Vice Chancellor, PAU They will join members of the cast and crew, including Dr. Biju (Director), Prakash Bare (Producer/Actor), Parul Agrawal (Executive Producer, PNG), Sine Boboro (Actor), and Ritabhari Chakraborty (Actress), alongside cultural leaders, business executives, and media representatives. The film’s selection has also been symbolically linked to Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations, marking a year of pride, cultural resurgence, and international recognition. Papa Buka is more than a film — it is a celebration of Papua New Guinea’s cultural identity, a bridge to global audiences, and a step into international cinema.

PAPA BUKA SELECTED AS PAPUA NEW GUINEA’S FIRST EVER OFFICIAL ENTRY FOR THE 98th ACADEMY AWARDS

The Papua New Guinea Oscar Selection Committee, under the PNG Academy Awards Secretariat, National Culture Commission is proud to announce that Papa Buka has been officially selected to represent Papua New Guinea in the International Feature Film Category at the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars). This marks a historic milestone as Papua New Guinea’s first-ever submission to the Oscars, coinciding with the nation’s 50th year of independence. Directed by the Indian Internationally acclaimed filmmaker Dr. Biju and produced by Mrs. Noelene Taula Wunum from Papua New Guinea and other Producers from India Mr. Akshay Kumar Parija, Mr. Pa Ranjith and Mr.Prakash Bare , Papa Buka is a groundbreaking feature film that captures the cultural richness, storytelling strength, and cinematic vision of Papua New Guinea. The film has been selected by Papua New Guinea Oscar Selection Committee which is an officially recognized body under the National Culture Commission of Papua New Guinea. Its mandate is to review eligible films each year and select one film to represent the nation in the International Feature Film category of the Academy Awards. The Committee’s decision follows a rigorous evaluation process of submissions, with Papa Buka emerging as the film that best represents the identity and creativity of the nation on the global stage. “This is a historic moment for Papua New Guinea cinema. Papa Buka embodies our stories, our traditions, and our artistic voice, and we are proud to present it to the world through the Academy Awards platform,” said Dr. Don Niles, Chairman of the PNG Oscar Selection Committee.

Papa Buka - An Example of Women Empowerment in Papua New Guinea

Did You Know:
The crew has more than 60% women particicipation as an example of Women Empowerment

The Team that was involved in the making of Papa Buka consisted on 90% amatures who have never been involved in making of a movie.

The Moments...

Ritabhari Chakraborty

Prakash Bare

Sine Boboro

John Sike

Facts about Papa Buka

Papa Buka – The first PNG – India Co-production initiative is unique in many aspects. Some insight into the uniqueness in given here.

First of its kind story telling in PNG

Papa Buka is one of the first feature films to authentically capture Papua New Guinean traditions, beliefs, and storytelling styles on a cinematic scale, presenting them through a narrative that resonates both locally and internationally.

Strong Cultural Representation

The film integrates authentic cultural performances (song, dance, rituals, costumes) from different ethnic groups—especially the Koiari people—ensuring genuine representation rather than staged or westernized portrayals.

Community Involvement

Unlike many productions, Papa Buka is deeply community-driven. Local leaders, women empowerment groups, youth teams, and traditional custodians were actively involved in the making of the film, strengthening ownership and authenticity.

Women Empowerment in Film Production

Women, led by community leaders like Cathy Asi, played key roles in costume design, performance coordination, and cultural preservation—making this one of the few PNG films to highlight gender-inclusive creative leadership.

Training Platform for Youths and Interns

The film served as a hands-on training ground for young Papua New Guineans interested in filmmaking. Interns and emerging talents gained experience in acting, technical crew work, costume design, and production management.

Fusion of Tradition & Modern Cinematic Techniques

The production blends traditional PNG storytelling with modern cinematography, sound design, and editing—bridging the gap between oral culture and global cinema standards.

Oscar Consideration & International Recognition

Papa Buka is the first PNG film ever to be considered for Oscar selection, signaling a major breakthrough in putting Papua New Guinea on the world cinema map.

And many more...

Peek Into Our Film...

NAFA Productions

Neelam Productions

Akshay Parija Productions

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