Over $200,000 in funding will be awarded to independent producers or entities producing television, film, or video programming that are currently pursuing authentic, well-told stories about the Pacific and what it means to be a Pacific Islander. Several awards of up to $15,000 will be awarded to projects in the research stage, while awards of up to $50,000 may be presented to projects in the production and completion stages.

PIC is committed to "telling the stories of the Pacific" for national public television and hopes to accomplish this by nurturing and supporting the Pacific Islander filmmaking community through this annual Open Call, now in its 15th year.

"The Media Fund Open Call is a way for producers to join the PIC Ohana," said Ruth Bolan, Executive Director. "Even if the project is not selected for funding this cycle, we work with the applicants to refine their application so they can apply to PIC again, and can apply for money from other sources. At PIC we know that the stories from the Pacific can change the world. We are committed to being a valuable resource for our Producers."

Proposals will be reviewed by an independent panel of cultural experts, academics, national television programmers, and independent producers. Effectual proposals will be comprised of a compelling story, concept or treatment; great storytelling; a good hook; an experienced production team; a reasonable, factual budget; and a solid sample video.

Once a filmmaker has received funding from PIC's Media Fund, he/she then has access to an abundance of other PIC resources, including travel grants, scholarships and workshops. With the average cost for one hour of programming running anywhere from $350,000 to $1.5 million, a long and successful relationship with organizations such as PIC becomes essential for the achievement of most Pacific Island films.

"Both of my films, 'American Aloha: Hula Beyond Hawaii' and 'Na Kamalei: The Men of Hula,' would not have been possible without production funding from Pacific Islanders in Communications," aid, Lisette Marie Flanary, a past recipient of funding from Pacific Islanders in Communications. "Beyond the financial support for my documentaries, PIC is integral in assisting with outreach, education, and community engagement for public television audiences which make a broadcast truly successful."