Papua New Guinea Makes First-Ever Oscar Submission with "Papa Buka"

Papua New Guinea has picked “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 “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 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).

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.

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.”

“Papa Buka” is scheduled for theatrical release in Papua New Guinea on September 19, followed by international festival screenings and Oscar campaign events in Los Angeles.