First time for an Indian film director: Dr. Biju's 'Papa Buka' nominated for Oscar

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The film ‘Papa Buka’ directed by Dr Biju has won an Oscar entry. Papa Buka is Papua New Guinea’s official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film of 2026.

This is the first time that the country is sending a film to the Oscars. It is also the first time that a film directed by an Indian will be the official entry of another country. It is an India-Papua joint production.

Dr Biju, who has won the National Film Award three times, has won recognition at various international film festivals.

Papua New Guinea’s Tourism and Culture Minister Belden Norman Namah announced the selection of the film at a press conference held in Port Moresby.

The film features Hindi, Bengali and English along with Tok Pisin, the language of Papua New Guinea. The main character, Papa Buka, is played by 85-year-old tribal elder Sine Boboro. Famous Bengali actress Ritabhari Chakraborty and Malayalam actor Prakash Bare are also in the film. Music is by three-time Grammy Award winner Ricky Kejn. Cinematography is by Yadu Radhakrishnan.

This is a rare honour.

- Dr. Biju