Avatar: Fire and Ash, Papua New Guinea

Condé Nast TravelerDec 19, 2025

Witnessing the Indigenous Baining people's fire ceremony left the director awestruck.

film inspired by fire ceremony

6 things in this story

New Britain TrenchPlacefive miles deep
RabaulNeighborhoodequipment came through this city
New BritainPlaceIt is separated from New Guinea by a northwest corner of the Solomon Sea and from New Ireland by St.
Baining peoplePlaceIndigenous people in the mountains
Deepsea ChallengePlaceexpedition documentary filmed here
Avatar: Fire and AshPlacefilm inspired by fire ceremony

Avatar: Fire and Ash