Communities across Bougainville have celebrated the return of Tukana - husat i asua, Papua New Guinea’s first narrative feature film, more than 40 years after its original release.
Restored through the support of Australia’s National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA), Tukana returned to Bougainville in late July and early August with community screenings in Tinputz, Buka, Arawa and Buin.
Supported by the Autonomous Bougainville Government through the Bougainville Arts, Culture and Tourism Authority, and Australia, the screening tour brought communities together to revisit a film that remains an important part of Bougainville’s cultural history.
Australian High Commission Minister-Counsellor Ms. Madeleine Moss said the restoration would help preserve an important piece of Bougainville’s heritage.
“The restoration of Tukana - husat i asua ensures that this important piece of Bougainville’s cultural history remains accessible, allowing its story to continue educating, inspiring and connecting communities for future generations,” Minister-Counsellor Moss said.
The Head of the Australian Development Office in Buka, Ms. Greer Smith, led the tour which began in Tinputz, home of the late Albert Toro, the film’s writer, director, and lead actor. Family members, friends, and community members gathered at Bougainville Technical College to honour his legacy and celebrate his contribution to storytelling in Bougainville.
Mr. Willie Oscar, one of the young people who attended the screening, said the film’s message remains relevant today.
“After watching Tukana, the message for young people today is to respect and listen to our parents and elders, so we can learn from their experiences and build a better future,” Mr. Oscar said.
Mr. Oscar said the film also highlighted the importance of education, respecting culture, and traditions, pursuing aspirations, and staying connected to one's roots.
Originally released in 1982, Tukana – husat i asua is widely recognised as one of Papua New Guinea’s first feature films and a milestone in the nation’s cinematic history.
The film was digitally restored by the NFSA in partnership with Spectrum Films, with support from the Australian Government. The restored version was gifted to Papua New Guinea’s National Film Institute as part of the country’s 50th Independence celebrations.
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Children, elders, and young people from the Tinputz community gather for the premiere screening of Tukana – husat i asua at the Bougainville Technical School in Tinputz.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100