The cinematic journey of Mussau: The First Song is brought to life through the visionary dedication and unwavering support of our sponsors and partners. Capturing the soul of an island and translating its history onto the silver screen requires more than just a creative vision; it demands a collective echo. Bound by a profound commitment to cultural preservation, these vital alliances represent a deep, enduring respect for the unique heritage, traditions and living history of the Mussau Islands.
In every sense, our partners do not merely fud they co-create. They are the architects behind the scenes, ensuring that the rhythm of this ancient story is preserved with the utmost authenticity, respect and artistic integrity. From providing the essential resources that fueled our daily operations to lending the technical expertise required to capture the rugged beauty of the islands, their hands- on involvement has been has been the bedrock of this entire production. Furthermore, their strategic platform support has granted us the wings to navigate the complex landscape of international distribution, effectively bridging the gap between local history and global appreciation.
We extend our deepest, most sincere gratitude to our partners for championing our vision from its inception. By standing beside u, you have doe more than help produce a film; you have helped amplify a voice that deserves to be heard. Thank you for ensuring that is vital piece of history resonates with audiences worldwide, ensuring that Mussau’s first song will be heard for generations to come.
Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture in Papua New Guinea
The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture in Papua New Guinea is the primary government body responsible for preserving, developing and promoting the nations incredibly diverse cultural heritage and tourism potential. Operating in a country known as the land of “a million different journeys” and home to over 800 languages, the ministry focuses on leveraging PNG’s unique biodiversity, world- class diving, historic trails and legendary tribal festivals (like the Goroka show) to grow a sustainable, niche tourism sector. It oversees key statutory bodies that execute its national strategies, including the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority(PNGTPA) which markets the country globally and intangible cultural heritage. Through long-term initiatives like the National Tourism Policy 2025-2045 and the National Cultural Policy, the ministry plays a vital role in balancing economic growth through responsible tourism with the preservation of indigenous traditions for future generations.
National Cultural Commission
The National Cultural Commission (NCC) is a statutory government body operating under the Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture of Papua New Guinea, mandated by the National Cultural Commission Act 1994 to protect, preserve and promote the nation’s diverse tangible and intangible cultural heritage. As the custodian of PNG’s unique identity the NCC bridges ancestral traditions and the modern world by formulating cultural policies, certifying national festivals, supporting the creative arts and documenting indigenous knowledge systems. To effectively drive these initiatives, the Commission oversees three specialized statutory arms: The Institute of PNG Studies (IPNGS) for academic and folklore research, the National Institute (NFI) for visual documentation and film industry development and the National Performing Arts Troupe (NPAT) for traditional and contemporary performing arts. Through these efforts and in partnership with local communities and international stakeholders the NCC empowers the creative sector and ensures that Papua New Guinea’s rich cultural heritage remains a source of national pride, social unity and sustainable economic growth for generations to come.
New Ireland Provincial Government
The New Ireland Provincial Government is the sub- national governing body responsible for the public administration, service delivery and sustainable development of New Ireland Province in Papua New Guinea. Headquartered in the provincial capital of Kavieng, the government manages the province across two main districts Kavieng and Namatanai and their respective Local Level Governments (LLGs). Following a significant political transition in early 2026 after the passing of long- serving statesman Sir Julius Chan, the government is led by Governor Byron Chan under the People’s Progress Party (PPP) banner. The administration’s strategic focus centers on driving provincial autonomy, expanding local infrastructure and maximizing benefits from the regions rich mining, agricultural and marine resource sectors, all while safeguarding the province’s unique cultural heritage.
Department for Community Development and Religion
The Department for Community Development and Religion (DFCDR) is the lead government agency in Papua New Guinea responsible for social protection, community empowerment and the safeguarding of vulnerable and marginalized groups. Operating under the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Religion, the department acts as the primary vehicle for implementing national social policies that address critical human development, family services, disability inclusion and elderly care, while actively coordinating with faith-based organizations to strengthen the nations social fabric. To bridge the gap in grassroots service delivery the department partners directly with sub-national governments and District Development Authorities to establish decentralized District Community Development Centers (DCDCs) across the counrtry. It also oversees key statutory bodies including the National Censorship Office and the National Volunteer Services, ensuring a safer, more inclusive and socially equitable Papua New Guinea.
Seventh Day Adventist Church
The Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church is one of the most prominent and rapidly growing Christian denominations in Papua New Guinea (PNG), boasting a rich history that began with the arrival of its first missionaries in 1908. Governed by the Papua New Guinea Union Mission (PNGUM) headquartered in Lae, the church has experienced an extraordinary wave of growth; a massive nationwide evangelistic campaign resulted in approximately 200,000 new baptisms, bringing active membership to well over 400,000 believers. This explosive expansion meaning roughly 1 in every 19 people in PNG is now an Adventist is heavily driven by “Total Member Involvement” (TMI), a grassroots movement where local laypeople lead home-based worship and community outreaches. Beyond its strong spiritual and evangelistic presence, the SDA church is a vital development partner in the country, contributing extensively to nation-building through its vast network of schools, medical clinics, and higher education institutions, most notably Pacific Adventist University.
Seventh Day Adventist Church MURAT
The Seventh-Day Adventist Church in the Murat region represents a profoundly historic and vibrant faith community encompassing the Mussau, Emirau, and Tench islands within Papua New Guinea’s New Ireland Province. Established in the early 1930s, this regional church community famously transformed Mussau into a stronghold of Adventism, a legacy that continues to shape its highly structured local leadership, active youth ministries, and deep-seated commitment to frontline global missions. Today, the Murat SDA church functions both as a spiritual anchor on the home islands and as a tight-knit diaspora network in urban hubs like Port Moresby, where local committees, youth empowerment programs, and celebrated community choirs work together to preserve their rich acoustic singing heritage, fund local infrastructure, and drive continuous community outreach.
Ela Motors PNG
For over six decades, Ela Motors PNG has established itself as Papua New Guinea’s premier automotive and marine distributor, proudly serving as “The Most Reliable Mobility Life-Time Partner” across the nation. As a subsidiary of the global Toyota Tsusho Group, the company operates a robust network of 15 dealerships and dedicated logistics centers strategically located throughout the country to ensure world-class customer service right at our customers’ doorsteps. We are the authorized distributor of the country’s most trusted household brands including Toyota passenger and commercial vehicles, Hino trucks, Yamaha marine and power products, and Massey Ferguson tractors holding a market-leading position built on durability and reliable service support. Beyond keeping PNG moving, Ela Motors is deeply committed to sustainable local growth, investing heavily in community-focused corporate social responsibility initiatives and empowering the next generation of technical leaders through our long-running, accredited apprenticeship and technical training programs.
GURU Foundations Inc.
Guru Foundations Inc. is a registered not-for-profit association incorporated under the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) of Papua New Guinea (Registration No. 5-109127). Established on November 11, 2020, and headquartered in Port Moresby, the foundation consolidates the prestigious educational initiatives of the Consortium of Leadership Excellence Limited. Driven by a profound commitment to humanity, our core mission is to nurture and develop young talents across PNG by unlocking transformative educational and career pathways. Through a robust global network of sponsors and sister associations, the foundation actively supports students across all academic levels spanning Early Childhood Learning Centers (ECLC), primary, secondary, higher education, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and advanced research studies, both domestically and internationally. By bridging the gap between opportunity and ability, Guru Foundations Inc. stands as a beacon of hope and sustainable social impact, empowering the next generation of Papua New Guinean leaders to achieve their full potential and build a brighter, more equitable future.
Native Arts and Fashion Academy NAFA
Established on August 15, 2017, by Guru Foundations Inc. , the Native Arts and Fashion Academy (NAFA) is a premier institution dedicated to promoting arts, culture, and fashion in Papua New Guinea. As a proud pillar of the NAFA Group which also encompasses the Music Masters of PNG, Paradise Dance Academy, and the Gejah Academy of Multiple Martial Arts the academy offers comprehensive Certificate programs in fashion designing, modeling, and photography. Designed to cultivate raw local talent, these programs provide a vital launchpad for future creative professionals, with strategic plans underway to expand educational offerings into advanced diploma and degree courses. True to its mission of empowering PNG’s youth, NAFA goes beyond the classroom by providing invaluable international exposure on prestigious global stages, including London Pacific Fashion Week and Royal Polynesian Fashion Week. Through this powerful blend of structured technical training and global opportunity, NAFA not only elevates the career prospects of young creatives but also fosters a deeper appreciation and recognition of Papua New Guinea’s rich cultural heritage in the international fashion arena
Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Port Moresby, the Consortium of Leadership Excellence Limited (COLE Ltd) is a dynamic organization registered under the Registrar of Companies and operating under the ownership of Guru Foundations Inc., a prominent educational charitable institution in Papua New Guinea. Dedicated to nurturing the nation’s next generation of visionary leaders and entrepreneurs, COLE Ltd provides comprehensive business setup assistance, leadership training, and development programs across various product lines. Initially based at Fly River Haus in Gordons, NCD, the group is actively expanding its operations beyond the capital to other regions of PNG, aiming to empower youth and foster localized business ecosystems nationwide. In tandem with its entrepreneurial focus, the group’s specialized division, COLE Education, works in close collaboration with the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST-PNG) to deliver world-class academic counseling, university application processing, and end-to-end visa and migration support. By bridging global education pathways with robust grassroots business incubation, the COLE Group stands as a vital pillar of nation-building, equipping Papua New Guinean youth with the essential skills, resources, and exposure to transform the country’s economic and leadership landscape.