Dr Biju’s cross-cultural drama ‘Papa Buka’ selected for Oscars 2026

Kochi: 'Papa Buka', an India–Papua New Guinea co-production directed by Dr Biju, has been selected as Papua New Guinea’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2026 Oscars.

The selection marks a historic first, as Papua New Guinea has never before submitted a film for Oscar consideration. The decision was announced on August 27 at a press conference in Port Moresby by Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Beldon Norman Namah, National Cultural Commission Executive Director Steven Enomb Kilang, and Oscar Selection Committee Chairman Dr Don Niles.

Namah noted that the announcement coincides with Papua New Guinea’s 50th independence anniversary in 2025, calling it a milestone that would give a major boost to the country’s emerging film industry.

'Papa Buka' was filmed entirely in Papua New Guinea and features multiple languages, including Tok Pisin, Hindi, Bengali and English. The project is produced by Nolena Taula Wunam under the NAFA banner, with Indian producers Akshay Kumar Parija (Akshay Parija Productions), Pa. Ranjith (Neelam Productions) and Prakash Bare (Silicon Media) as co-producers.

Director Dr Biju said in his Facebook post, "We are deeply humbled and honoured by this privilege to represent Papua New Guinea on the Oscar platform, and we dedicate this recognition to the resilience, creativity, and cultural heritage of its people."

This marks the first time an Indian director’s work has been officially selected to represent another country at the Academy Awards.

The lead role in Papa Buka is played by 85-year-old Sine Boboro, a tribal elder from Papua New Guinea. The film also features Indian actors Ritabhari Chakraborty, a well-known Bengali actress, and Malayali actor Prakash Bare. Other cast members include John Syke, Barbara Anatu, Jacob Oburi, Sandra Davuma, Clement Jima and Max Maso.

The music is composed by three-time Grammy Award winner Ricky Kej, with cinematography by Yedu Radhakrishnan, co-writing by Daniel Joyner Dagt and editing by Davis Manuel.