Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – The Hawai‘i State Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) has unveiled a new funding initiative to support local filmmakers and creative media projects. With a total of $400,000 available, the Creative Industries Division (CID) aims to boost the development of small, mid-sized, and micro-budget projects originating from Hawai‘i.
The funding, part of the Hawaii Film and Creative Industries Development Fund, is open for submissions until March 21, 2025. The goal is to promote Hawai‘i-based intellectual property for licensing, distribution, and export, showcasing local talent and strengthening the state’s position as a media development hub.
Funding Breakdown:
- Short Film Category: $100,000, with grants ranging from $3,000 to $15,000
- Longer Format Projects: $300,000, with awards between $16,000 and $50,000
Submission Details: Proposals should outline the project’s development, budget, production plans, and potential distribution avenues such as digital platforms, festivals, and other media licensing opportunities.
Important Dates:
- RFP Release: December 31, 2024
- Information Sessions: January 7-17, 2025 (via Zoom)
- Submission Deadline: March 21, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. HST
- Award Announcements: By April 30, 2025
- Contract Completion: By May 31, 2025
How to Apply: Proposals must be sent via email to dbedt.cidrfp@hawaii.gov, with the subject line “RFP-CID-25-002.” For questions, contact CID Branch Chief Rick C. Manayan at ricky.c.manayan@hawaii.gov.
This funding effort marks a significant opportunity for Hawai‘i’s creative community, fostering the growth of local talent and enhancing the state’s reputation in the global media landscape.
