20/03/2026
PNG Promoted as Top Filming Destination at India Conclave
By MELTON PAIS
Papua New Guinea has been successfully promoted as a filming and tourism destination at the 2026 India International Film Tourism Conclave (IIFTC) held in Mumbai from March 10 to 12.
The annual conclave, now in its 12th edition, is India’s leading business-to-business platform connecting global filmmakers with tourism authorities to encourage film production in different countries.
This year, Papua New Guinea was featured as the “Country in Focus,” giving it a unique opportunity to showcase its culture, landscapes, and filming potential to some of the biggest production houses in India and beyond.
The country was represented by the Native Arts Fashion Academy (NAFA), which acted on behalf of key government agencies, including the Tourism Promotion Authority and the National Cultural Commission.
The NAFA team was led by Executive Producer Parul Agrawal, Producer Noelene Wunum, and line producer Adhya Prasad. The team took center stage during the three-day event, marketing Papua New Guinea as an attractive location for film, television, and digital productions.
They engaged directly with major Bollywood production houses, highlighting opportunities for filming in PNG and the benefits of using the country’s unique natural and cultural settings.
NAFA also showcased its experience in international film collaboration, including its involvement in the production of Papa Buka, which gained international recognition.
The event attracted participants from across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, despite recent global challenges, and provided a platform for countries to promote film tourism and build partnerships.
NAFA representatives reported strong interest from Indian filmmakers, many of whom expressed interest in visiting and exploring Papua New Guinea as a future filming destination.
The conclave concluded with an awards presentation between Papua New Guinea and Indian co-production teams, symbolizing growing collaboration and a shared commitment to developing PNG’s film industry while promoting the country on the global stage.