Media Releases

RNZ PASC PISA Development Fund

Released at 10:00 am on 24 July 2025

RNZ, in partnership with the Pan-Asian Screen Collective (PASC), and the Pacific Islands Screen Artists (PISA) is pleased to announce the eight projects selected to receive development support through the RNZ PASC PISA Development Fund.

The RNZ PASC PISA Development Fund is a collaborative initiative to address the systemic underrepresentation of Asian and Pacific creatives in Aotearoa’s screen industry. Assessments were made by a panel of experienced practitioners and cultural advisors, with final selections based on creative vision, cultural alignment, platform fit, and long-term potential.

Launched in early 2025, the fund received 67 submissions from across the motu, reflecting the depth, diversity, and creative strength of Pan-Asian and Pacific storytellers in Aotearoa. After a robust multi-phase assessment process, four projects from each representative group have been granted development funding of $20,000 each.

The funding will allow the producers of the selected projects to prepare production funding ready proposals, with RNZ as the supporting platform.

RNZ Commissioner Tim Burnell said part of RNZ’s strategy is to grow representation of Pan-Asian and Pasifika people and stories and the fund is a way of supporting this kaupapa.

“RNZ needs to reflect the diverse communities of Aotearoa and ensure we are continuing to seek out new voices and perspectives. This fund allows great ideas to take the next step to become viable projects.”

Selected Projects – PISA

  • Snatched Back – The Niu Wav
     
  • THE PASI-FISTS – Run Charlie Films
     
  • The Chaperone – Where The Aute Blooms
     
  • BE HUMBLE – Ghosthouse Productions
     

Selected Projects – PASC

  • Where Are You Really From – Bala Murali Shingade
     
  • Showdown – Shreya Gejji and Shuchi Kothari
     
  • How Not To Be the Bad Guy – A Grain of Rice Productions
     
  • Bloodsuckers Anon – MHM Productions
     

Two additional projects — The Navigators (PISA) and Ad World (PASC) — were highly commended by the panel for further discussions with RNZ.

Stallone Vaiaga-Ioasa, on behalf of Pacific Islands Screen Artists, said the level of professionalism displayed by submitters was high. 

“It’s inspiring to see our screen artists and their teams showing a stronger grasp of the funding process, audience insight, and the ways their stories connect with viewers. Everyone has stepped up their game – and I’m excited to see these teams bring their stories to life. Audiences are in for something special.”

Ghazaleh Gol, from the Pan-Asian Screen Collective, added that the number of submissions showed why this fund was so important.

“We would like to congratulate the finalists and to thank everyone who submitted. We were incredibly impressed by the creativity, quality, and originality of all the projects—an inspiring showcase of the immense talent within our communities. The response clearly demonstrated just how important this fund is in supporting and empowering our screen creatives to bring their ideas to life.”

ENDS