National Film Institute

Cultural Institutions In Disrepair

Host to three cultural institutions, the National Film Institute, National Performing Arts Troupe based in Goroka and the Provincial Cultural Centre based in Kainantu in Eastern Highlands Province has not been able to fund these institutions.

National Cultural Commission Executive Director Steven Kilanda said that if there were any funding available it would not be sufficient enough to cater to them.

He said Eastern Highlands Province is the gateway to the rest of the highlands provinces yet its cultural institutions are rotting due to blatant neglect.

National Film Institute archive deteriorating

The film collection in the archives is deteriorating.

Film archivist, Michelle Baru, said Brian Bell has responded by sending their technician to assist.

“The functions of the National Film Institute are clearly defined in Section 21 of the National Cultural Commission Act 1994. In practical daily terms, the NFI’s primary mission is in producing films and video documenting Papua New Guinea’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, and to actively engage in fostering the growth of a Melanesian Film Culture and Industry,” Ms Baru explained.