Papua New Guinea has selected “Papa Buka” as its inaugural submission to the Academy Awards, marking the first time the Pacific nation has entered the international feature film category at the Oscars.
Directed by internationally acclaimed Indian filmmaker Bijukumar Damodaran (Shanghai winner “Trees Under the Sun”), “Papa Buka” follows aging war veteran Papa Buka as he guides two Indian historians uncovering untold WWII stories connecting India and Papua New Guinea through shared sacrifice and humanity.
The timing proves particularly symbolic, coinciding with Papua New Guinea’s 50th year of independence.
The milestone announcement was made by Belden Norman Namah, Papua New Guinea Minister for Tourism Art and Culture, alongside National Cultural Commission executive director Steven Enomb Kilanda and PNG Oscar selection committee chair Don Niles.
“This is a historic moment for Papua New Guinea cinema,” said Niles. “‘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.”
“This film is a tribute to the shared histories between India and Papua New Guinea, and a symbol of cultural resilience and cross-border collaboration,” Damodaran said. “To be the first Oscar submission from PNG, during their 50th independence year, is a humbling honor.”
The Papua New Guinea-India co-production brings together producers Noelene Taula Wunum (NAFA Productions), Akshaykumar Parija (Akshay Parija Productions), Pa Ranjith (Neelam Productions), and Prakash Bare (Silicon Media).
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Leading the ensemble cast is 85-year-old tribal leader Sine Boboro from Papua New Guinea, alongside Indian actors Ritabhari Chakraborty and Prakash Bare. The supporting cast includes John Sike, Barbara Anatu, Jacob Oburi, Sandra Dauma, and Max Maso PPC.
The technical team features three-time Grammy winner Ricky Kej composing the score, cinematographer Yedhu Radhakrishnan, and co-screenwriter Daniel Jonerdhagtt.
Producer Wunum said: “‘Papa Buka’ is not just a film, but also a cultural capacity-building project. Over 40 students from our universities worked alongside the international crew, gaining hands-on experience in key departments such as direction, cinematography, sound, and art direction. With more than 60% of the crew being women, it became a true model of inclusion and empowerment.”
“Papa Buka” is scheduled for theatrical release in Papua New Guinea on September 19, 2025, followed by international festival screenings and Oscar campaign events in Los Angeles.
Producer Parija said: “I feel extremely privileged to be part of the remarkable film ‘Papa Buka,’ directed by multiple Indian National Award-winning filmmaker Bijukumar Damodaran. We are deeply grateful to the government of Papua New Guinea, my fellow producers, and the entire cast and crew for their dedication and hard work, which has led to this proud moment of representing Papua New Guinea at the 98th Academy Awards in 2026.”
Producer Pa Ranjith added: “This recognition is a significant milestone that reflects the passion and creativity of its storytellers. I feel privileged to have supported this journey and to stand alongside the creators in bringing this story to a global stage.”
Actor and producer Prakash Bare said: “As an actor and producer, I am proud to see ‘Papa Buka’ bring India and Papua New Guinea together through cinema, history, and human connection. To have this film recognized as Papua New Guinea’s first-ever Oscar entry makes the journey even more meaningful.”
Composer Ricky Kej, who serves as a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador, noted the film’s universal themes: “This powerful story beautifully weaves together the shared histories of India and Papua New Guinea, and I hope its universal message of unity, oneness, and preservation resonates deeply with Academy members worldwide.”
From Variety US