Tukana returns home as free community screenings tour Bougainville

One of Papua New Guinea's most celebrated films, Tukana – Husat I Asua, is returning to the big screen in Bougainville, with a series of free community screenings beginning on Wednesday, July 30.

The tour will open in Tinputz, the home of the late Albert Toro, whose life inspired the iconic film. From there, screenings will travel to Hutjena in Buka on July 31, Arawa Independence Park on August 1, and conclude at the Mamaromino Women's Resource Centre in Buin on August 3.

Set in Bougainville, Tukana tells a compelling story of tradition, identity, leadership, and social change. Since its original release in the 1980s, the film has become a landmark in Papua New Guinea's cinematic history, resonating with audiences across generations.

The community screenings aim to bring people together to celebrate Bougainville's rich cultural heritage while introducing the restored classic to a new generation of viewers.

The film was recently digitally restored by the Papua New Guinea National Film Institute [NFI] in partnership with the Australian National Film and Sound Archive and Spectrum Films. The restoration was presented as a gift from the Australian Government to Papua New Guinea to commemorate the country's 50th Independence Anniversary.

The Bougainville screening tour is a joint initiative of the PNG National Film Institute and the Bougainville Arts, Culture and Tourism Authority. The program is supported by the Governments of Australia and New Zealand as part of their ongoing partnership with the Autonomous Bougainville Government to preserve and promote Bougainville's arts, culture and identity.

Screening Schedule

All screenings are free and open to the public.