Series Acquisition:
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.
How to Apply
PIC accepts submissions for Pacific Heartbeat consideration year-round. If you have a finished film that you would like to submit, please follow the instructions below.
Complete the online submission form if you would like your film to be considered. Your application must include a link to a third party video sharing or file transfer website (e.g. Vimeo, Dropbox) for your film screener. Your film must be no more than 1GB in size, downloadable, and password protected.
Once you've completed the online submission form, PIC will review the form and review your film. Unfortunately, due to budget and time constraints, we are unable to provide feedback. We appreciate your understanding on this.
If you have any questions about the Pacific Heartbeat programming needs, eligibility requirements, or the online submission form, please contact Cheryl Hirasa.
Please review the following to make sure your film matches our programming needs as well as instructions on how to apply.
WHAT PIC IS LOOKING FOR
When selecting a film for Pacific Heartbeat, PIC considers a range of factors:
- Compelling storytelling
- Quality of filmmaking
- Timeliness of the story
- National audience appeal
- Accurate and authentic representation of the Pacific Islander experience
- Subject matter that sheds light and encourages thoughtful dialogue on the Pacific Islander experience
PIC does not accept fiction films, instructional films, or docudramas. For the purposes of this series, PIC defines Pacific Islanders as the descendants of the indigenous peoples of Hawai‘i, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Marianas, and other Pacific Islands of Micronesia, Melanesia, and Polynesia.
For examples of films that have been broadcast as part of the Pacific Heartbeat series, go to www.pacificheartbeat.org.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Pacific Heartbeat accepts the following:
- Films that are completed or at fine cut stage
- Nonfiction films about the Pacific Islander experience. For the purposes of this application Pacific Islanders are defined as the descendants of the indigenous peoples of Hawaiʻi, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Marianas, and other Pacific Islands of Micronesia, Melanesia, and Polynesia.
- Films at any length, however if your film is longer than a standard broadcast hour and is accepted, you will be required to edit it to the correct length
- Films that have been completed in the last three years
- Films that have been cleared for U.S. television broadcast
- Films that meet public television and FCC broadcast standards, which can be found at: www.pbs.org/producing/red-book
- Films that adhere to public television editorial and funding standards, which can be found at: www.pbs.org/producing/red-book
- Films produced by producers that do not have an open project with PIC