The Crew - MUSSAU: The First Song

The crew behind “Mussau: The First Song” represents a collaborative partnership between talented local Papua New Guinean creatives and skilled technical professionals, backed by NAFA Productions. Together, the team combines authentic community-led historical research, local cultural storytelling, and professional technical execution in cinematography and editing to bring the unique heritage and 1930s transformation of Mussau Island to the screen.

YEDHU RADHAKRISHNAN

Director Of Photography

Yedhu Radhakrishan has the legacy as son of India’s legendary cinematographer late M.J. Radhakrishan. Yedhu started his career as an associate cinematographer to his father India’s National Award winning cinematographer M.J. Radhakrishnan in Olu by Shajin Karun (National Award for Cinemtaography) followed by Veyilmarangal by Dr. Biju (Premios Da Critica (Critics Award) at 39th Oporto International Film Festival. As an independent cinematographer he has worked in award winning films, The Portraits, Adrishya Jalakangal (Invisible Windows) , House of Orange Trees. He also worked in Telugu language films ” Okkate Asha”, Sthalam and many more .

DAVIS MANUEL

Editor

Davis Manuel, graduated from Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) Pune. He has edited more than 16 Indian feature films and documentaries in various Indian language. He has worked with National Award- winning Director Dr.Biju as his Editor and Chief Associate Director for seven feature films. He has assisted National Award- winning Editor B. Ajithkumar for his various documentaries. Davis Manuel’s notable works include, Adrishya Jalakangal (Malayalam), Trees under the Sun (Veyilmarangal- Malayalam) which won the Artistic Achievement Award in Shanghai International Film festival, Kosa(Hindi) world premiere in Raindance Film Festival and selected in International competition in IFFK, Kerala, “Sound Of Silence” (Hindi, Pahari Language)” Painting Life”(English) and many more.

THE SUPPORT TEAM

The support team for the film project brings together a dedicated network of collaborators and coordinators who handle the administrative, organizational, and resource-driven aspects of the production. Operating behind the scenes, this team manages day-to-day operations, logistical planning, and project coordination to ensure all production activities run smoothly from conception to completion.

Rayleen Ila serves as the Administration and Operations Officer for Mussau: The First Song film project. With extensive experience in office administration and logistics coordinating meetings, procuring office supplies and equipment, conducting official banking transections and supervising day to day administrative activities, her organizational skill and attention to detail ensure the smooth and effective administration of the project.

Administration & Operation Officer

RAYLEEN ILA

Abednego Airi plays the role of an Travel & Logistics Support Officer for Mussau: The First Song, bringing extensive experience in travel coordination, logistics management, and administrative communications. In his role, he plays a vital part on the support team by managing movement logistics, ensuring full visa compliance, and seamlessly coordinating both domestic and international travel arrangements for the production team and project participants.

Travel & Logistics Support Officer

ABEDNEGO AIRI

Foni Suti is the IT and Digital Officer for Mussau: The First Song, bringing extensive expertise in website development, system administration, and digital content creation. In her role on the support team, she is responsible for managing and maintaining the official project website, optimizing digital platform performance, and overseeing essential technical infrastructure. Additionally, she produces engaging digital media content, manages online press materials, and handles social media assets to ensure seamless technical operations and effectively build strong online engagement for the film production.