Pa Ranjith’s Film Selected For 98th Academy Awards

This movie, called Papa Buka, is a special connection between two different cultures. It’s the first film from Papua New Guinea (PNG) to be picked for the Oscars, and it's competing in the International Feature Film category. Pa Ranjith, who is well-known for making powerful movies in Tamil cinema, is very proud to be a producer here. His production company, Neelam Productions, shared the good news, which is a big deal for both India and PNG.

Pa Ranjith posted on social media saying he feels very honored to be part of this co-production that brings a story from PNG to a worldwide audience. He thanked the team behind Papa Buka for making this moment happen and talked about the pride of working with people from different countries to share a story that many can relate to. For him, this isn't just about winning awards, but about celebrating teamwork and stories that connect people across borders.

The film is about Indian soldiers who fought in PNG during World War II. It shows the local traditions and history of the region. The movie was directed by Biju Kumar Damodaran, a filmmaker from Kerala who has won national awards before. He made the story come to life with care and deep understanding. The co-producer, Noelin, said the film honors the friendship between India and PNG, especially since PNG is celebrating 50 years of independence, making this achievement even more meaningful.

Don Wells, the head of the Papua New Guinea Oscar Selection Committee, called the nomination a proud moment for both countries. With Papa Buka now in the running for the Academy Awards, people around the world will get to see a unique story about bravery, tradition, and the strength of international cooperation. It shows how movies can bring people together and make a difference.