The premiere of Black Python has demonstrated the growing potential of Papua New Guinea’s film industry, with National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop calling for greater support for young filmmakers and the development of a sustainable local film industry.

Speaking at the premiere at Paradise Cinemas, Port Moresby, Governor Parkop congratulated director Spencer Wangare, the cast, crew and other stakeholders involved in producing the feature film.

“This is an ambitious project, and Spencer has taken the lead, driven by passion, and by commitment, and by determination to develop filmmaking in PNG.”

Governor Parkop said PNG had a history of filmmaking dating back to the 1970s and 1980s, but believed a new generation now had an opportunity to take the industry further.

He said young people were increasingly looking to explore their skills and talents through new creative platforms, making it important to create opportunities for them to enter the film industry.

“There is a lot of potential but it needs determination like Spencer Wangare has shown, and it requires funding.”

He said the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) had contributed what it could towards the project as an initial effort to showcase local talent.

Governor Parkop also pointed to successful film industries in countries such as India, Nigeria and Hong Kong as examples of what could be achieved through sustained investment and commitment.

He encouraged stakeholders to continue supporting local filmmakers so that PNG could eventually develop a strong and competitive film industry.

Director Spencer Wangare thanked the Governor, NCDC, the National Cultural Commission, Tourism Promotion Authority, Institute of Business Studies University (IBSU), sponsors, partners and the audience for supporting Black Python.

Wangare said the film was produced through local talent, with NCDC youth playing key roles in its production.

He acknowledged the NCDC youth training programme, which he said had helped provide young people with filmmaking skills and opportunities to participate in the industry.

Wangare also acknowledged veteran filmmakers and actors whose work had inspired the new generation of PNG filmmakers.

He said Black Python was his first feature film, following his earlier work on short films.

“I was expecting only a small attendance to the premiere but a large audience turned up and for that I am grateful.”

He also urged audiences to support local films by purchasing tickets and attending future premieres, saying audience support was important to the continued growth of the industry.

Attendees proceeded into respective cinemas afterwards for the screening.