Bhubaneswar, Aug 30: In a historic moment for Odisha and global cinema, Papa Buka, a film inspired by the 1817 Paika Rebellion, has been selected as Papua New Guinea’s official entry for the 2026 Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category.

Co-produced by Odisha’s acclaimed filmmaker Akshay Kumar Parija and directed by three-time National Award winner Dr. Bijukumar Damodaran, Papa Buka is a poignant Indo-Pacific drama that explores forgotten chapters of shared history.

The film draws parallels between Odisha’s Paika Bidroha and the untold stories of Indian soldiers who fought in Papua New Guinea during World War II and were buried at the Bomana War Cemetery.

The narrative follows a journalist’s emotional quest to uncover her grandfather’s legacy, weaving together themes of sacrifice, identity, and cultural evolution. The film was conceived in response to key diplomatic visits, including President Pranab Mukherjee’s 2016 trip and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2023 homage to fallen soldiers in PNG.

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Featuring a multilingual script in Tok Pisin, Hindi, Bengali, and English, Papa Buka stars Ritabhari Chakraborty and Prakash Bare, with a haunting score by Grammy-winning composer Ricky Kej. Shot entirely in Papua New Guinea, the film marks the country’s Golden Jubilee of Independence and stands as a cinematic bridge between two nations.

“This nomination is not just a cinematic achievement—it’s a tribute to the unsung heroes of history and a celebration of Odisha’s storytelling legacy,” said Parija, whose previous films Jiaanta Bhoota and Kadvi Hawa have won national acclaim.

As Papa Buka heads to the Oscars, it carries with it the spirit of rebellion, remembrance, and resilience—echoes of Odisha’s proud past now resonating on the world stage.

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