PIKSA INDEPENDENCE (2025)

A collaborative photography project with journalism students from the University of Papua New Guinea

On 16 September 1975, Papua New Guinea gained independence from Australia, the commonwealth country that had maintained authority over its northern neighbour since 1906. 2025 marks the 50th Anniversary of Independence for Papua New Guinea, a milestone that was widely celebrated across the nation.

To mark this commemorative occasion in PNG history, we partnered with 11 journalism students from the School of Arts and Humanities at the University of Papua New Guinea on a project to document Port Moresby using 35mm cameras with black and white film. Working on and around the 16th of September, Papua New Guinea’s Independence Day, participating students photographed celebrations, sing-sing performances and cultural shows, as well as contemporary daily life in PNG’s capital city.

Piksa Independence (Picture Independence) was all of the students’ first experiences using film photography. With enthusiasm and excitement, the students documented Independence Day celebrations around the city, as well as daily life in their communities. The resulting images, made from personal experiences and observations of PNG youths, provide a unique and historic visual record of Papua New Guinea 50 years on from independence.

Student Photographers: Gino Kopa, Jerma Lepani, Manna Patemo, Manuel Hercules, Norlin Lawrence,  Salome Hames, Velma Elyambu, Yael Fofoe, Bruce Sawere, George Aikon, Eric Robin.

‘I captured pictures of celebrations and daily life of the people. A few of the things I photographed were a Philippine worker in a shop with an employee in traditional attire, a traditional sing-sing group from Southern Highlands Province, people on buses, grandmothers who made traditional attire for the celebrations and boys selling goods on roadside (the underdogs).’

- Manuel Hercules

‘I took photographs knowing that they will remind us in the future that this was a moment captured during the midst of the Papua New Guinean 50th Independence.’

- Gino Kopa

‘Amidst the festivities, many Papua New Guineans continue to struggle with everyday survival, facing challenges such as poverty, unemployment and limited access to basic services. The pictures that I took were mainly of street vendors who struggle every day to provide food for their families. Even on the day of independence celebration (16th September 2025), these people forego joining in celebration to sit on road sides and at market places to earn something for themselves and their families.’

- Norlin Lawrence

‘I was thinking we would be working with DSLR camera such as Canon or Nikon. But we got these little Olympus film cameras, to me it was something new. I had never used such camera. But the outcome was wonderful…all our pictures that we took were in black and white and it looked so different compared to taking pictures using a phone and a DSLR camera.’

- Yael Fofoe

‘With the camera in my hand, I stepped into the world, eager to capture not just images, but stories, moments of laughter, cultures and lifestyles, and the discovery of what was around me.’

- Manna Patemo

‘I'm drawn to the pictures I took because they reflect my daily life. These moments are raw and real, and I feel a connection to them. Photography allows me to tell stories and preserve memories. Despite the technical issues, I'm excited to continue capturing life's moments. It has made me to capture everyday moments - from going to church and chilling with friends to attending arts exhibitions. I find beauty in people getting on buses and in marketing of their goods.’

- Salome Hames

‘As PNG citizens commemorate the founders’ visionary work, many are asking critical questions such as, is PNG truly independent? Voices across the country point to the unfinished independence marked by a heavy reliance on foreign aid, slow-progress and uneven developments around the country. The lack of modern services in towns and cities as well as basic services in rural communities is a reminder of the work that is needed to be done within the country. Away from celebrations, Papua New Guinea must now focus on shifting to actionable steps that address issues like crime, poverty, and corruption.’

-Jerma Lepani

‘Most importantly, the 50th independence celebrations captured one thing in common, even though we come from different tribes, provinces, and have different backgrounds, we are (all) Melanesians who value culture, family, kingship and traditional practice.’

- Velma Elyambu

‘As PNG looks to the future, the 50th Independence Day celebrations served as a reminder of the nation’s strength and resilience. The country will continue to thrive, with its rich cultural heritage and diverse communities at its core.’

- Bruce Sarawe