Film and Creative Content Funding

Hawaii Dept. of Business, Economic Development and Tourism News Release

Right now, Molokai creatives have a chance to bid for funding for their film and media projects.

The Hawaii State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) Creative Industries Division (CID) Hawaii released on Dec. 31, 2024, a request for proposals (RFP) toward the development of small, mid-sized and microbudget film and creative media projects. Providing Phase I seed funding from the Hawaii Film and Creative Industries Development Fund, the solicitation is to support local filmmakers, media makers and content creators with the goal of supporting the growth of Hawaii-originated intellectual property (IP) for licensing, distribution and export. The RFP for project funding is effective Dec. 31, 2024, through March 21, 2025 at 4 p.m.

Information sessions detailing the RFP and application process will be hosted via Zoom sessions beginning Jan. 7 through Jan. 17, 2025 and an opportunity to submit written questions is also available.

Total funds allocated for this Phase I solicitation are $400,000, $100,000 for multiple awards ranging from $3,000-$15,000 in the short film category and $300,000 for longer format projects from $16,000 to $50,000.

Successful project proposals will define how the works will be developed, budgeted and produced and the potential for festivals or other forms of distribution. These can include digital streaming, web-based online platforms, exhibition/festival competition and other forms of media licensing and distribution opportunities. The full solicitation may be accessed for review at hands.ehawaii.gov and is titled RFP-25-002.

​“Opening sources of access to capital is essential for growing new markets for creative media entrepreneurs in Hawaii,” said DBEDT Director James Kunane Tokioka. “Our call out to content creators and strategic spread of seed funding will both showcase local talent while further positioning the state as a premiere media development hub.”
Listing solicitation number RFP-CID-25-002 in the subject line, all proposals shall be sent via email to dbedt.cidrfp@hawaii.gov.
The timeframe for submissions is effective as of the RFP posting and is open through an extended period, closing on March 21, 2025. Applications emailed on March 21, 2025, must be received by 4 p.m., HST. Questions relating to the RFP solicitation may be directed to CID Branch Chief, Rick C. Manayan, at ricky.c.manayan@hawaii.gov.