Fiscal Sponsorship
What is Fiscal Sponsorship?
HIFF has launched a Fiscal Sponsorship program to provide filmmakers based in Hawai’i or sharing Hawai’i-centered stories with financial and administrative support. This program is designed to assist independent filmmakers by offering them access to HIFF’s 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, enabling them to seek tax-deductible donations and grants. The program will also offer administrative guidance, promotional opportunities, and a connection to a broader community of filmmakers.
Qualifications:
- Project must align with HIFFs mission
- Project can be in any stage (dev/prod/post/exhibition)
- Project lead must be a HIFILM member (once accepted as a HIFF Fiscal Sponsor project)
From Application to Approval:
HIFF’s Fiscal Sponsorship Program
Learn About Fiscal Sponsorship:
Watch a this informative video from HIFILM Industry Manager Jana Park presenting HIFF’s Fiscal Sponsorship Program—a vital resource for filmmakers seeking funding and support.
If you have questions about Fiscal Sponsorship, email us using the button below
Steps for Filmmakers to Apply:
- Initial Application:
Filmmakers will submit an online application form through the HIFF website. The form will require basic information about the filmmaker, project details, and the specific goals for seeking fiscal sponsorship (e.g., fundraising, grant support).- All applicants must be a HIFF HIFILM Industry Member. If you are not a member, you can become a member here.
- Project Proposal Review:
After submission, HIFF’s selection committee will review the application, project concept, and alignment with HIFF’s mission and values. The committee may request a meeting with applicant for additional materials and/or clarifications. - Final Approval:
If the project is accepted, filmmakers will receive confirmation and enter into the fiscal sponsorship agreement with HIFF, which includes a schedule of deliverables and deadlines. - Sponsorship:
Once the agreement is signed, filmmakers may begin utilizing HIFF’s non-profit status for fundraising and other administrative purposes.
- Initial Application:
Apply for Fiscal Sponsorship:
Current Fiscally Sponsored Projects
UNCLE BULLY'S SURF SKOOL
Surf instructor "Uncle Bully" uses his unique approach to life (in and out of the water) along with his power of simply being present to reach and teach the minds of at-risk youth by sharing surf culture, ocean respect, and kindness with them.
Short Documentary
Filmmaker: Leah Warshawski, Todd Soliday
MAKING THE LINE
In the heart of Hawai'i fiery Hula coach Kumu Keano and his steady partner Kumu Lono push their young team of Native Hawaiian athletes to their limits, confronting personal and cultural challenges as they strive to triumph at Merrie Monarch—the "Olympics of Hula".
Feature Documentary
Filmmaker: Zilla Barbosa
IN THE STILLNESS
OF THE NIGHT
A multi-media fable about the ‘ōpe’ape’a’s (hoary bat) struggle against extinction, ‘In the Stillness of the Night’ explores the plight of Hawai’i’s sole endemic land mammal. Forced deeper into disappearing rainforests by turbine blades, barbed fences and wildfires, ‘ōpe’ape’a symbolize threats to indigeneity; environmental, cultural and human.
Short Narrative
Filmmaker: Daniel A Kelin II
WISHFUL THINKING
Amid the ashes of a devastating Maui fire, a woman embarks on a perilous journey to find the man who once taught her the meaning of connection, proving that even in the face of unimaginable loss, the human spirit can find hope and redemption through love and memory.
Short Narrative
Filmmaker: Kim Ly
GRACE
Honolulu, 1959: Over a family dinner, two women hide their love for each other as one resists her impending marriage and the other her countryʻs admission to the US.
Short Narrative
Filmmaker: Elizabeth Rian
BEREAVEMENT
After losing her mother, a grieving seven year old hopes to escape from heartache by running away, which leaves her vulnerable inside of a restricted area of a hospital.
Short Narrative
Filmmaker: Jered Hobbs
SPAM'D
After a mother-daughter blowout fight so big it could've started World War Three, an actual nuclear missile is unexpectedly headed for Hawai'i. These two emotionally unstable women must find each other to reconcile before it's too late.
Short Narrative
Filmmaker: Kanani Koster
LIGHT A FIRE IN ME
Memories of a man's toxic ex-lover infect his mind and threaten more than just the life of his current relationship.
Short Narrative
Filmmaker: David Rowlands