Fresh New Voices: RNZ and Partners Announce Winners of Development Fund for Asian and Pacific Creatives

RNZ, in partnership with the Pan-Asian Screen Collective (PASC) and Pacific Islands Screen Artists (PISA), has announced the eight selected projects that will receive funding from the RNZ PASC PISA Development Fund.

This initiative, launched in early 2025, aims to help skilled Asian and Pacific storytellers realize their screen ideas. The response was overwhelming. A total of 67 submissions arrived from across the country, showcasing stories that reflect the rich creativity and cultural perspectives of Aotearoa’s diverse communities.

Co-founder of Pacific Islands Screen Artists (PISA), Stallone Vaiaoga-Ioasa

After a careful selection process led by industry experts and cultural advisors, eight standout projects—four from each group—have been awarded $20,000 in development funding. The aim is to prepare these projects for the next step: production funding, with RNZ supporting them as a platform.

RNZ Commissioner Tim Burnell emphasizes RNZ’s commitment to better represent Aotearoa’s diverse voices. “This fund helps great ideas move closer to becoming reality,” he said. “We want to make sure we’re hearing from everyone.”

The Selected Projects

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

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 more projects, 'The Navigators' (PISA) and 'Ad World' (PASC) received special mentions and are set for further discussions with RNZ.

"Everyone really brought their A-game.. These stories are going to make waves" - Stallone Vaiaoga-Ioasa

Ghazaleh Gol from PASC shared the excitement, highlighting how the volume and quality of submissions underscore the importance of this support. “It’s clear there’s a deep well of talent out there just waiting for the right opportunity.”

Stay tuned! These projects could be the next big thing on our screens.