Papua New Guinea Makes First Bid For The Oscars

Sine Boboro - Papa Buka

Papua New Guinea has made a bid for the Oscars, following the nomination of Papa Buka for the Best International Feature Film category. A co-production between Papua New Guinea and India, the film will mark the inaugural submission to the prestigious Academy Awards by the Pacific Island nation.

Papa Buka follows the story of an ageing WWII veteran and examines the connection between Papua New Guinea and India during the war. It stars the 85-year-old tribal leader Sine Boboro, alongside Indian actors Ritabhari Chakraborty and Prakash Bare. The film was directed by the internationally acclaimed Indian filmmaker Bijukumar Damodaran, who has described the film’s submission as “a humbling honor.”

This momentous announcement coincides with the 50th anniversary of Papua New Guinea’s independence. “This is a historic moment for Papua New Guinea cinema,” stated Don Niles, chairman of the Papua New Guinea Oscar Selection Committee. “‘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.”

“Papa Buka is not just a film, but also a cultural capacity-building project,” added producer Noelene Taula Wunum. “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 set for theatrical release in Papua New Guinea on Friday, September 19, 2025, followed by international festival screenings and Oscar campaign events in Los Angeles.

The Oscar International Feature Shortlist will be announced on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, with the final five nominees to be announced on Thursday, January 22, 2026. The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is to be held on Sunday, March 15, 2026.