A new Papua New Guinean feature film inspired by true events and centred on the history and transformation of Mussau Island in New Ireland Province is set to begin production by NAFA Productions in September, with its creators aiming to showcase the country's culture on the global stage.

Speaking at the official launch of Mussau: The First Song, producer Parul Agrawal said the film is more than a cinematic production, describing it as a project dedicated to preserving the history, identity and cultural heritage of the people of Mussau.

"This is not simply the unveiling of a new film. It is the beginning of a journey to bring a true story to life with the care, integrity and respect it deserves," Agrawal said.

She said the film is based on true events and has been developed through extensive historical research and consultation with community leaders, elders and cultural advisers.

Mussau: The First Song is based on the true story of Taula Livovoa. Set in the 1930s, the film follows one of the first indigenous Seventh-day Adventist missionaries from Mussau Island. It tells a story of transformation, courage and reconciliation on an island once described in Australian colonial reports as the "Devil's Paradise" and predicted at the time to disappear within 20 years.

"We have been fortunate to work alongside an extraordinary team—our director, our writers, our cast and crew, and above all, the Murat community and the wider people of Mussau, all of whom have shaped this film with their knowledge, their patience and their trust," Agrawal said.

Agrawal said the production team recently completed location scouting on Mussau Island, where they met with community leaders and visited sites that will feature in the film.

"We were reminded that we are not simply making a movie. We have been entrusted with preserving a legacy—a history for generations to come," she said.

She thanked New Ireland Governor Byron Chan for supporting the project by providing transport to and from Mussau Island for the production team.

According to Agrawal, the film explores themes of identity, memory, resilience and cultural heritage, telling the story of a people whose history has been passed from one generation to another.

She announced that filming will officially begin in September following the completion of pre-production and introduced members of the production team, including Executive Producer Mrs Noelene Wunum, Director Dr Bijukumar Damodaran, Story Writer Dr Hilda Tanimia, Co-screenplay Writers Dr Joses Imona and Dr Jennifer Litau, Line Producer Adhya Prasad, Cinematographer Yedhu Radhakrishnan, and Editor Davis Manuel.

Executive Producer Mrs Noelene Wunum said the film tells the remarkable story of how a single Christian hymn transformed the history of Mussau Island.

She said the island, once described by colonial authorities as hostile and destined for extinction because of warfare and disease, experienced lasting peace after the hymn spread from village to village.

"One hymn changed everything. An island once called the Devil's Paradise became a place of peace. Not only did the people survive, but they were transformed," Wunum said.

Wunum described the production as a non-commercial, 100 per cent Papua New Guinean film under Napa Production that aims to inspire positive change while sharing Papua New Guinea's history with international audiences.

"We are not making it to chase profit. We are making it to inspire positive change in people's lives and to create awareness of our motherland, her history and her people," she said.

She said the production team hopes to premiere the film in 2027 before submitting it to international film festivals, including Cannes, and ultimately seeking consideration for the 100th Academy Awards in 2028.

The project also coincides with preparations for the centenary of Adventism in the St Matthias Group of Islands in New Ireland Province. The film is intended to commemorate 100 years since the first Christian hymn began its journey through Mussau, Emirau and Tench islands.

Beyond storytelling, Wunum said the production is expected to create employment opportunities, train emerging Papua New Guinean filmmakers, support small and medium-sized businesses, improve local health services and leave lasting maritime infrastructure for island communities.

She said the project plans to acquire two boats that will continue serving communities in New Ireland Province after filming concludes.

"Mussau: The First Song is a hymn turned into history. May it be heard far and wide, starting today," Wunum said.