"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," said Shane Seggar, program director, in a statement.

Recipients are:

i Research and Development Award: "Pa Kui A Holo - Kauai's Warriors," produced by T Lulani Arquette, a film about Pa Kui a Holo-Kauai, an organization of Hawaiian men who practice lua, an ancient Hawaiian martial art. The film will detail the personal stories of Nakulu Arquette, lua master and founder of the Pa, and some of the men who have dedicated themselves to lua. It will explore the positive impact of the collective group on the Kauai community.

i Production Award: "Women on Waves," produced by Karin Williams, a documentary that will celebrate the culture and history of female surfing. It will present an in-depth portrait of Native Hawaiian women surfers.

Proposals were reviewed by an independent panel comprised of cultural experts, academic leaders, national television programmers, and independent producers.

"At PIC, we know that the stories from the Pacific can change the world and it is our belief that this year's Media Fund recipients' projects align with this mission,"said Seggar.