Jona Film Production, the crew behind the PNG film ‘Ples Man’ received a K10, 000 cheque generously donated by the National Cultural Commission (NCC), to support the local film industry and encourage the practice of cultural storytelling.
Attending the press conference was the Executive Manager for Festival, Marketing, Cultural Development, and Art Industry, David Taim who was present on behalf of the Executive Director of NCC, Steven Enomb Kilanda, MBE, as well as Rama Undiapah, Director of Ples Man and upcoming film ‘Ples Man II’, Executive Producer, Spencer Wangere, cast and crew of Ples Man II, and NCC staff.
Uniapah thanked NCC for their support in Ples Man II’s production, acknowledging their importance in enabling this project to be accomplished and explained that Ples Man’s sequel is a film that will address pressing issues in the country as well as honoring the founding fathers of PNG.
“Tribal conflict, concerns pertaining to sorcery, women’s empowerment, and rural development are the primary themes of the sequel.”
“It will be dedicated to PNG’s founding fathers.”
He expressed his desire to see an end to sorcery related violence, through changing the future generations view on the matter, in spite of the fact that sorcery-related violence it has persisted for fifty years.
David Taim acknowledged that filmmakers in the country require support in order for the industry to thrive.
“Efforts to develop the film industry in Papua New Guinea are currently hindered by a lack of funding for local filmmakers, hence we are actively engaging with relevant authorities to emphasize the significance of the film sector.”
“As the industry begins to take shape, there is an urgent need for increased government support and financial backing to ensure its growth and sustainability.”
Meanwhile Spencer Wangere, Executive Producer of Ples Man II, emphasized their intentions of improving from lessons learned from the previous film.
He called on businesses across the country to support Ples Man II by placing their products in the film.
He highlighted this as a chance for companies to promote their brands while contributing to a significant national project.