Opportunities

Interested in getting support for your project?

PIC Special Projects 

 

Update - July 14, 2025

Earlier this year, an executive order was issued that does not apply to PIC, as we are not classified as a DEI organization. However, a separate executive order proposing the defunding of PBS and NPR does impact the work we do and the independent filmmakers we support. PBS is a longstanding and trusted partner of PIC—a vital, noncommercial platform that brings accurate and authentic stories about Pacific Islander communities to national audiences.

Currently, a funding rescission package approved by the House is under consideration in the Senate. This proposal includes the rollback of previously approved funding for Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027 for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which provides the majority of PIC’s operational budget. The loss of this support would significantly affect our ability to fund independent films and elevate Pacific Islander voices.

While this presents real challenges, it is also a moment of clarity and commitment. We are prioritizing resources for projects already in progress and have temporarily paused our open calls for funding. At the same time, we are actively reimagining our programs to continue offering the creative, financial, and professional development support that our storytellers need and deserve.

This is not a retreat—it’s a moment to reflect, adapt, and innovate. We remain committed to our mission and the powerful stories that connect us all.

PIC accepts proposals on an ongoing basis for documentary projects for public television broadcast that fall outside the parameters of the Media Fund.  PIC’s capacity to fund these projects is extremely limited and highly competitive.  Such projects must meet a set of strict criteria in order to be considered for funding.  

The following sections will cover information you should know before applying for PIC Special Projects funding:

  • What PIC is Looking For
  • Eligibility Requirements
  • Funding Contract Terms

WHAT PIC IS LOOKING FOR

  • Stories about Pacific Islander history, culture and society either by Pacific Islanders or non-Pacific Islanders
  • Stories that will engage national as well as regional audiences revealing universal themes through the lens of local perspectives and realities
  • Have a PBS station or public media organization as a co-producing partner
  • Projects that have a secured national broadcast for public television distribution.
  • A limited series (2-3 episodes) or a single non-fiction program of standard broadcast length (26:46 or 56:46) that is too time sensitive to apply for Media Fund funding.  PIC will consider feature length programs on a case-by-case basis.
  • Producers who have at least 50% of their budget raised.  
  • Projects that have an effective training component for Pacific Islander talent
  • Projects that have a realistic fundraising strategy and/or producers with proven fundraising experience
  • Producers who have extensive experience with producing national public television programs 

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Who Is Eligible

Independent producers or entities producing television, film, or video programming are eligible to apply providing they follow these guidelines.

Applicants must:

  • Hold artistic, budgetary, and editorial control and must own the copyright to the proposed project.
  • Be citizens or legal residents of the United States or its territories.
  • Have extensive national public television experience.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Funding Contract Terms 

Producers seeking Co-production funding will need to enter into an exclusive four-year public television broadcast rights license for the U.S. and its.  For more information about whether your project fits PIC Special Projects funding and how to apply, please contact Cheryl Hirasa or (808) 591-0059, ext. 150.