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 fund 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 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 us, you have done more than help produce a film; you have helped amplify a voice that deserves to be heard. Thank you for ensuring that this vital piece of history resonates with audiences worldwide, ensuring that Mussau’s first song will be heard for generations to come.
The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture in Papua New Guinea is the primary government body responsible for preserving, developing, and promoting the nation’s 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 the National Cultural Commission (NCC), which works to safeguard both tangible 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.
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 Film 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.
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 region’s rich mining, agricultural, and marine resource sectors, all while safeguarding the province’s unique cultural heritage
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 issues. Its broad mandate covers women’s empowerment, child protection, youth development, family services, disability inclusion, and elderly care, while actively coordinating with faith-based organizations to strengthen the nation’s 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 Centres (DCDCs) across the country. It also oversees key statutory bodies including the National Youth Authority, the National Censorship Office, and the National Volunteer Services, ensuring a safer, more inclusive, and socially equitable Papua New Guinea.
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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
Headquartered in Papua New Guinea, PNG Tribe Technologies Ltd is a leading provider of software development, IT services, and consultancy driving digital transformation both locally and internationally. With a robust local presence and deep understanding of the country’s unique operational landscape, the company is highly renowned for offering competitively priced outsourcing services to global enterprises. Tribe Technologies boasts a professional, highly skilled workforce adept across various IT domains including managed IT services, advanced cybersecurity frameworks, cloud readiness, and tailored software solutions ensuring the delivery of high-quality, practical solutions that align seamlessly with client visions and requirements. Placing a strong emphasis on continuous innovation, cutting-edge technology, and sharp business acumen, the company is deeply committed to delivering measurable business value and driving growth and efficiency. By maintaining this client-centric approach, PNG Tribe Technologies stands as a trusted, excellence-driven partner, empowering local public and private sectors, SMEs, and global corporations to achieve their strategic objectives and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Music Masters of PNG (MMPNG), a key component of the Native Arts and Fashion Academy, provides comprehensive music training for students aged six and above. Located in Port Moresby, MMPNG offers instruction in instruments such as guitar, piano, and drums, and supports corporate events with live performances. The academy is dedicated to researching the integration of traditional Papua New Guinean instruments with contemporary music styles, creating a unique musical fusion that honors the country’s rich cultural heritage. MMPNG provides Level 1 and 2 Certificates in Music and has plans to expand its offerings to include Level 3, Diploma, and Degree courses. To further enhance its educational programs, the academy is exploring potential affiliations with leading global music schools. Additionally, MMPNG contributes to the Indigenous Music Performance in the Movie Project, showcasing the traditional music of Papua New Guinea in a cinematic context. The academy also hosts Monthly Masters Concerts, where students have the opportunity to perform and demonstrate their progress and talents. These concerts serve as a platform for student performances, allowing them to gain valuable experience and exposure. Through its diverse programs and initiatives, MMPNG is committed to nurturing the musical talents of its students and promoting the cultural heritage of Papua New Guinea on both national and international stages.
Tumbuna Shipping and Logistics Limited is a 100% Papua New Guinea-owned supply chain and freight forwarding company based on Saraga Street, 8 Mile, in Port Moresby. The company specializes in domestic courier services, nationwide product delivery, and bulk cargo forwarding, using a hub-and-spoke model to navigate the country’s challenging geography via air, sea, and land. Alongside standard commercial freight, they operate an e-commerce platform that distributes electronics, household items, and traditional cultural goods like Sepik bilums directly to customers across various provinces. If you are planning to send a package, please share your pickup location, destination, and the approximate size or weight of your cargo so I can help you estimate the best shipping route or find alternative local courier options.
Carton Box Studios is a creative agency based in Papua New Guinea that specializes in delivering innovative design and branding solutions. With a focus on the mantra “Unboxing Creativity”, the studio serves as a hub for artistic development, helping brands translate their unique visions into impactful visual identities. By blending professional design expertise with a local perspective, they provide tailored creative services that help businesses stand out in a competitive market.
Travelport is a global technology company that builds the infrastructure behind modern travel commerce, connecting travel buyers and sellers through an independent marketplace. Based in the United Kingdom, it provides a comprehensive suite of digital tools, including AI-powered booking platforms, data analytics, and payment solutions, to help travel agencies, airlines, and hospitality providers streamline their operations and deliver seamless, personalized experiences. While the “Creating Memories” slogan is a common theme in the broader travel and hospitality industry often associated with family and multi-generational vacation experiences it is not part of the official corporate branding of Travelport Worldwide Ltd.