18 August 2025

NFSA Restores: Tukana-Husat i asua | Special Screening at the NFSA

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NFSA Restores: Tukana-Husat i asua, special Screening at the NFSA. Photo: NFSA.

117 Mins1982 | PG | 117 mins | DCP | PNG | D: Albert Toro, Chris Owen

Tukana–Husat I asua (who’s to blame) follows the story of a university dropout who returns to his village in Buka Passage, Bougainville. He drifts into rootlessness among bad companions, becoming progressively alienated from his parents and village life, with tragic consequences.

Considered Papua New Guinea’s most significant feature film, Tukana is the result of a unique collaboration between Australian director Chris Owen, who was instrumental in the establishment of the National Film Institute in Goroka, Papa New Guinea, and Albert Toro, a celebrated writer, director, actor and MP, known as the father of PNG film.

Tukana has been digitally restored by the NFSA in partnership with Spectrum Films and gifted to the Institute to commemorate 50 years of Papua New Guinea’s Independence. The restoration builds on a four-year co-design project with the Institute, assisting them to better preserve and access their films, with funding from the Australian Government’s International Cultural Diplomacy and Arts Fund.

Director: Chris Owen & Albert Toro
Writer: Albert Toro
Producer: Chris Owen
Cinematographer: Chris Owen
Sound recordist: Les McLaren
Editor: Les McLaren
Distributor: Ronin Films
Cast: Albert Toro, Regina Talsa, Wenceslas Noruke, Timothy Hamanin, Emily Beani, Francisca Semosa

The details

What: A special screening of Tukana-Husat i asua restored by the NFSA
When: Tuesday 4 November, 6:00 PM
Where: Arc Cinema, NFSA Acton
Cost: Free. Bookings are essntial and available via the NFSA.

We believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience film. We provide specialised equipment for a range of accessibility needs. Arc Cinema is fully wheelchair accessible. For more information, call 02 6248 2000 or email tickets@nfsa.gov.au

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