On December 8th, 2025, I had the privilege of watching the screening of Papa Buka at the Cine Grand in Fremont, an experience made even more special that our friend Prakash Bare co-produced the film and delivered a compelling performance as Anand Kunjiraman. This new film—Papua New Guinea’s official Oscar nomination is a heartfelt and visually captivating film that immerses the audience in the rugged beauty of New Guinea and the rich lives of its native tribes. The cinematography exquisitely showcases the land’s untouched landscapes, while the outstanding music elevates every scene with emotional depth. Each character leaves a strong and lasting impact. What moved me most was the sincere and powerful presence of Papa Buka, who steps into his first acting role with remarkable honesty. His performance feels natural, deeply human, and emotionally resonant—he becomes the soul of the story.
Papa Buka transcends the boundaries of a traditional film—it's an emotional journey into a world rarely seen on screen, one that stays with you long after the credits roll.
Heartfelt congratulations to Prakash Bare, Dr. Biju, and actress Ritabhari Chakraborty as Rumila, who was present at the preview.
Wishing all the more success and awards to promote many such stories that are yet to come out to the world!
~ Dawn
