The Executive Team
The Director- Dr. Bijukumar Damodaran
A three time India's national award winning filmmaker, Dr Bijukumar Damodaran is considered to be one of the most important contemporary voices in Indian cinema. Being a true visionary who brought authentic Indian stories to the international audience, his first film “Saira” screened in the Cannes film festival in 2007 under “Cinema of the world” section. Since then, he has made 14 films. His films have been screened at many international film festivals and won numerous awards including coveted Golden Goblet award for best artistic achievement at Shanghai Film Festival 2019. His films screened at the major festivals includes Cannes, Montreal, Shanghai, Telluride, Moscow, Chicago, Cairo, Iran (Fajr), Eurasia Almaty, Jeonju, Tallinn, Oporto, Dhaka, IFFK and IFFI. He has been invited as a member of the jury in many well-known film festivals across the world. He worked as jury member at 30th Fajr International film festival, Tehran, Iran 2012, JOGJA NETPAC Asian film festival Indonesia 2021, Bridge of Art International Film festival Rostov, Russia 2018, International Film Festival Pune India 2017, All Lights International film festival, Hyderabad 2017, International Film Festival of Kerala 2011 etc. He also served as jury member for India's National film awards 2012, India's Oscar selection jury member 2015. He wrote many articles and published books about cinema.
Executive Producer
Parul Agrawal is a visionary and an inspiration for youngsters in Papua New Guinea. Parul is responsible for managing the film's promotional strategies and ensuring the project contributes positively to society. A resident of Papua New Guinea for nearly a decade and active in women empowerment and development in the field of Arts, she loves to give back to the society. In her role she will be focused on the film’s reach and visibility, media engagement, social media management, event planning and collaborations. On the Social Impact sector, she will focus on community outreach, educational programs and impact measurements. Hence her contribution in the form of promotions and social impact, spear-heading this award-winning crew in promoting Papua New Guinea in the World Film Arena. Her initiatives in ensuring the project success and promoting the country across the globe through this initiative will definitely assist open up the Film Industry. She ensures that this wealth of knowledge arriving at the shores of Papua New Guinea has to be shared with the film enthusiasts, students and youngsters looking forward to a career in film production in PNG. Apart from this Non-Commercial movie production in PNG, she ensures that the learning from this initiative is visible and paramount. Parul Agrawal's leadership in these areas ensures that Papa Buka not only entertains but also contributes to positive social change.
The Production Advisor - Anindya Dasgupta
Anindya Dasgupta, 25+ years of experience in the Indian film industry 20+ years as senior management of India's top 2 film trade bodies based in Mumbai, as Asst Secretary General of Producers Guild of India and as Deputy Secretary of India's apex film chamber Film Federation of India ( FFI) Part of multiple international festival and market visits to Cannes, Berlin, American Film Market, Venice, Hong Kong etc Helped set up India's biggest film tourism event brand IIFTC as its Partner and Convenor in 2013. Ten years on, it is Asia's largest film locations conclave Was in charge of the Oscar selection process from India from 2013 to 2022. Presently involved in building projects as consultant, Producer/ Creative Producer in various languages Co- produced a Bengali film Ektu Sore Bosun in 2023
Executive Director - Syamlal (Neelam Productions)
Papa BUka
The Co-Writer - Mr. Daniel Jonerdhagtt
Mr. Daniel Jonerdhagtt’ is the Co-Writer for the film "Papa Buka," working closely with the writing team to create a compelling and impactful narrative. A passionate Papua New Guinean teacher with over two decades of experience, he has mentored many successful individuals across the country. His role as Co-Writer ensures that "Papa Buka" features a strong, engaging script that effectively communicates its intended message and entertains its audience.
The Production Controller - Miss. Adhya Prasad
Adhya Prasad, a Grade 12 student at St. Josephs International Catholic College in Port Moresby, aspires to excel in the performing arts. She serves as the Production Controller for "Papa Buka," overseeing the film's logistical and financial aspects. Adhya's responsibilities include budget management, scheduling, resource allocation, cost control, financial reporting, vendor management, compliance, and risk management. Her expertise ensures the film is produced efficiently, on schedule, and within budget, contributing significantly to its success. This role marks her biggest project to date, and she is fully prepared for the challenge.
The Anthropologist - Dr. Andrew Moutu
Dr. Andrew Moutu, originally from Wautogig Village in East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea, has an extensive and distinguished career in anthropology. He began his education at St Xaviers High School and Aiyura National High School, later earning co-major degrees in social anthropology and philosophy from the University of Papua New Guinea, graduating with honors in 1997. Dr. Moutu served as the Principal Curator and later Chief Curator of Anthropology at the PNG National Museum & Art Gallery. He pursued advanced studies at the University of Cambridge, where he completed his PhD in Social Anthropology and published a monograph titled Names Are Thicker Than Blood. His academic career includes roles as a British Academy Postdoctoral Fellow, a lecturer at the University of Adelaide, and visiting positions at several international universities. Dr. Moutu has contributed as a consultant on heritage and tourism projects and mentored young leaders through the Kokoda Track Foundation. He is recognized for his analytical skills, innovative thinking, and dedication to cultural sensitivity and teamwork.
The Historian - Mrs. Anna Dusava
Mrs. Anna Dusava is a distinguished historian with extensive experience in teaching and research. Currently, she is an educator at St. Joseph's International Catholic College in Port Moresby, where she shares her deep knowledge and passion for history with her students. In addition to her teaching role, Mrs. Dusava is an accomplished writer, contributing to the educational field through her authorship of textbooks. She holds a Master's Degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from Queensland University of Technology, highlighting her diverse expertise in education. Beyond her professional commitments, Mrs. Dusava actively engages in community service as a fundraising volunteer for the Asia Pacific Ladies Association, demonstrating her dedication to charitable causes and her commitment to fostering positive change within her community.