Papua New Guinea’s record-setting historical drama “Mussau: The First Song” has completed principal photography following a 40-day shoot across two provinces.

The $4.5 million production, described as the country’s most expensive film to date, filmed on Mussau Island in New Ireland Province before moving to Goroka in Eastern Highlands Province. PNG-based NAFA Productions marked the wrap with a Thanksgiving event in Port Moresby on Saturday.

Government representatives attending the celebration included Minister for Arts, Culture and Tourism Belden Norman Namah, Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu and Chief Censor Jim Abani.

A Local Story With an International Team

Three-time Indian National Film Award winner Bijukumar Damodaran directed the feature. Parul Agrawal is the producer, while Noelene Taula Wunum serves as executive producer.

Inspired by a true story and set during the 1930s, “Mussau: The First Song” follows Taula Livovoa, a young islander who rejects tribal violence and embraces a faith that is new to him. That decision leads to a broad social transformation that the producers regard as one of the most remarkable in the South Pacific.

The film’s connection to the community extends to its cast. Many performers were recruited locally and are appearing on screen for the first time. Some had never previously watched a film, while several parts are portrayed by great-grandchildren of the real people who inspired the story. Two British actors also appear in the ensemble.

The cast includes Freddy Sutchiff, Candy Ali, Daniel Lee Hird, Kevin Jackson, Jamie Napo, Calvin, Alan Balalua, Frank Eke and Dolvin Aite.

“This has been one of the most challenging and rewarding journeys of my filmmaking career,” Damodaran said. “The people of Mussau welcomed us into their lives, their culture and their history, and their contribution has been invaluable.”

He added that the participation of descendants of the original historical figures, as well as community members who had never seen a film, made the experience “even more profound.”

Six Languages and a Demanding Island Shoot

Dialogue in the film spans Mussau, Emirau, Agarabi, Gadsup, Tok Pisin and English. Some of those indigenous languages have small speaker populations and are at risk of disappearing. The producers see the project as a means of preserving Papua New Guinea’s linguistic and cultural heritage while presenting it to viewers around the world.

Reaching the primary location presented a substantial production challenge. Mussau Island has limited infrastructure and inconsistent communications, and the 120-person crew traveled for 30 hours by sea across the Pacific to get there. The team included 20 technicians from India.

Temporary accommodation and production facilities had to be established on the island. Local residents supported the filming throughout, including during scenes captured in the sea at high tide. After completing that portion of the shoot, the company relocated to Goroka to finish principal photography.

Hilda Tanimia wrote the story. Jennifer Litau wrote the screenplay and also worked as a translator alongside Joses Imona and Damodaran. Yedhu Radhakrishnan served as cinematographer, with Davis Palakal Manuel editing the film.

Arnold Laena oversaw production design, and Gladice John created the costumes. Music for the drama comes from Music Masters of PNG and the Murat Choir.

ShowBiz Take

“Mussau: The First Song” stands out not simply because of its $4.5 million budget, but because its scale is tied directly to the community and culture depicted on screen. The production combined an international technical team with local first-time actors, descendants of the story’s real-life figures and six languages, several of which face an uncertain future.

Completing the 40-day shoot is therefore a significant milestone for a project that had to overcome difficult travel, sparse infrastructure and challenging conditions at sea. Its record budget gives the film immediate importance within Papua New Guinea, while its use of local languages and community performers gives the production a cultural purpose beyond its historical narrative.

What Happens Next?

NAFA Productions is aiming for “Mussau: The First Song” to premiere at a top-tier international film festival in 2027. The company also hopes it will be selected as Papua New Guinea’s official submission for best international feature at the 100th Academy Awards.

Damodaran has previously taken a Papua New Guinea production into that race. His earlier PNG–India co-production, “Papa Buka,” became the first film ever submitted by Papua New Guinea for the Oscars’ international feature category.