Hawai'i's filmmakers and content creators now have a new opportunity to bring their projects to fruition through an initiative by the state's Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT). The Creative Industries Division (CID) recently announced the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP), offering financial support for various film and media projects. A total of $400,000 has been allocated for Phase 1 seed funding from the Hawaiʻi Film and Creative Industries Development Fund, aimed at assisting local talent in developing and promoting Hawai’i-originated intellectual property.
As reported by the news release, funding will be diversified across multiple awards, with the short film category benefiting from $100,000 – where individual awards will range from $3,000 to $15,000. The remaining $300,000 has been allocated to support longer format projects, with funding from $16,000 to $50,000. Prospective applicants can look to quickly get informed about the details of the RFP and application process through community Zoom sessions, scheduled between January 7 and January 17. There will also be an opportunity for applicants to submit written questions.
DBEDT Director James Kunane Tokioka emphasized the importance of such funding, stating, “Opening sources of access to capital is essential for growing new markets for creative media entrepreneurs in Hawaiʻi.” He also highlighted how the initiative is designed to both showcase local talent and position the state as a premier media and film development hub. The fund accepts proposals from the time of posting until March 21, at 4:00 p.m., with submissions judged on criteria including development, budgeting, production, and potential for distribution through channels like digital streaming, festivals, and other media platforms, according to the news release.
Equally as enthusiastic about the call for submissions is Georja Skinner, chief officer of CID at DBEDT. “The community has been eagerly awaiting this first call for submissions, which marks an important step in more opportunities for Hawaiʻi creatives to access a funding resource to expand their careers,” she said in the news release. Skinner conveyed the expectation that the fund would seed the development of early-stage projects or help to complete those already underway, firmly cementing Hawai’i as a creative force not just domestically, but also in international markets.
For those interested in applying, proposals should be sent to [email protected], listing solicitation number RFP-CID-25-002 in the subject line. Questions regarding the RFP can be directed to CID Branch Chief, Rick C. Manayan, at his official email address provided by the state announcement.
The funding is part of a larger effort by the Creative Industries Division (CID) to support Hawai'i's creative sectors, including arts, culture, music, film, literature, publishing, digital, and new media. This initiative aligns with the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism's (DBEDT) goals to promote community development, affordable housing, and job growth in innovation sectors, while also enhancing business development and the export capacity of Hawai'i's creative intellectual property.
