Papa Buka[1] is a 2025 Tok Pisin-language drama film co-written and directed by Dr. Biju, featuring Sine Boboro in the titular role. The film follows Papa Buka, an elderly war veteran, who helps two Indian historians discover forgotten World War II events that link India and Papua New Guinea through acts of bravery and kindness. The film[2] premiered on 18 September 2025 in Papua New Guinea. The timing of the film release is significant as Papua New Guinea’s 50th year of independence will be celebrated on 16 September 2025.[3]
Two Indian historians, Romila Chatterjee and Anand Kunhiraman, travel to Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea to research and write a book about Indian soldiers who served alongside British and Australian forces during World War II, fighting against the Japanese. In their search for firsthand accounts, they meet Papa Buka, an 80-year-old war veteran from the Kokoda Track campaign. He becomes their guide, leading them through remote jungle villages where they interview other veterans and collect memories of the war. As their journey unfolds, they encounter surprising and unforeseen events.
In 2024, Ritabhari Chakraborty was selected as the female lead[6]. The film also stars Prakash Bare, Sine Boboro, and John Sike. Indian cinematographer Yedhu Radhakrishnan makes his feature debut with the project[7].
Principal photography began[8] in mid-August 2024 across various locations in Papua New Guinea, including Port Moresby and the Varirata National Park. Filming wrapped in September 2024. Shot through a very crisp shoot schedule, Papa Buka had its post production done in India.
The beginning credits highlight the significant institutional, governmental, and cultural support behind the production. Special acknowledgments are given to the Government of Papua New Guinea, Prime Minister James Marape, and Belden Namah, Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture. Additional thanks extend to the Government of India, High Commission of India in Papua New Guinea, as well as Jason Waviha Peter (Minister for Community Development, Youth and Religion), Jerry Ubase (Secretary, DFCDR), Steven Enomb Kilanda (Executive Director, National Cultural Commission), and Karan Rana of Adzguru (PNG) Ltd., Papua New Guinea. Contributions were also recognized from cultural and academic institutions such as the National Film Institute, National Museum and Art Gallery, National Library and Archives, University of Papua New Guinea, Pacific Adventist University, and others.
The film is a co-production of NAFA Productions, Akshay Parija Productions, Neelam Productions, and Silicon Media. It is directed and written by Dr. Biju.
Key crew include:
Producers: Noelene Taula Wunum, Akshay Kumar Parija, Pa. Ranjith, Prakash Bare
Line Producers: Adhya Prasad (Papua New Guinea), Eldho Selvaraj (India)
The film is positioned as Papua New Guinea’s official entry to the 98th Academy Awards in 2026[9].
Music
The original score for Papa Buka was composed by Ricky Kej, a three-time Grammy Award-winning Indian musician and United Nations Goodwill Ambassador.[10] Kej stated that he studied “raw tribal music, indigenous instruments, jungle sounds, rhythms, archival recordings and natural sound-scapes” to create a score rooted in Papua New Guinea’s cultural and historical traditions.[11] According to Hindustan Times, the score was praised for its ability to heighten the film’s emotional tone while remaining subtle and closely aligned with the narrative.[12]
Release
Papa Buka had its world premiere on 18 September 2025 in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, in a grand event attended by Prime Minister James Marape, cabinet ministers, ambassadors, and representatives of the creative community. The following day, the film was given a theatrical release across Papua New Guinea, marking the country’s first Oscar-qualifying cinema release.[13]
The PNG Oscar Selection Committee formally announced the film as the country’s first-ever submission to the Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. This milestone coincided with the nation’s 50th anniversary of independence, giving the release a symbolic cultural significance.[14]
Oscar submission
In August 2025, Papa Buka was selected by the Papua New Guinea Oscar Selection Committee as the country’s first-ever official submission to the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards. The announcement was made in Port Moresby by the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Belden Norman Namah, alongside National Cultural Commission Executive Director Steven Enomb Kilanda and committee chairman Dr. Don Niles. The committee described the film as a “pioneering cinematic collaboration between Papua New Guinea and India” that would showcase the nation’s cultural heritage to a global audience. [15][16][3]
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