Community Supported Filmmaking

Because we believe it’s the most powerful way to share new ways of thinking, being, and doing, and to contribute towards creating a new story for humanity to live by so that all of Earth’s creatures can thrive.

By releasing the majority of our films online for free we reach as many people as possible. But this is only achievable thanks to the supporting donations we receive: from individual viewers, aligned organisations, and like-minded philanthropists. Without that funding, we can’t make the films we know need to be made.

Recently we made changes so that supporting our work is easier and more transparent – allowing you to fund specific projects or Happen Films as a whole through the Open Collective platform. If you’d like to support us, know that no amount is too small – every dollar becomes part of a fund that helps us make our next solutions-focused film.

To learn more about our approach to Community Supported Filmmaking, read the long-form blog post we wrote. Or visit the About page to learn more about us, about our ethics, and about how funds are used.

Through our page on Open Collective, you can make donations to Happen Films as a whole, or you can help fund a specific film project.

We’re using this platform because we like the transparency it provides for those who are donating – so you know how your funds are being spent! – because it provides tax benefits for you, and because it makes the admin easier at our end. Read more about why in this blog post we wrote.

Every donation we receive is confirmation that you value the work we do. It’s what you can afford that matters, not the number of dollars. To date we’ve received donations of $1 through to $100,000.

For anyone considering making a large contribution, we are very happy to jump on a call to talk through the goals of a particular project or Happen Films the business, or about how the funds will be managed. You can email us via the Contact Form.

New to Open Collective? Check out our guide on how to donate.

If you prefer not to use the Open Collective platform, that’s fine! Below are alternative methods – we’re grateful no matter which option you choose.

We have a great community on Patreon who have been supporting us for many years now. You can find out more by checking out Happen Films on Patreon.

We can also accept donations by bank transfer. Note that donations are not tax deductible unless made through Open Collective.

Account name: Happen Films Limited
Account number: 38 9020 0486598 00
Bank: Kiwibank Limited
Address: Level 9, 20 Customhouse Quay, Wellington, 6011, New Zealand
Swift Code: KIWINZ22
(If you donate via bank transfer we’d love it if you could let us know via the Contact form, so that we can say thank you!)

Don’t forget, simply sharing our films is another great way to support us!
• Share the films on our YouTube channel with your network.
• Hold a public screening of one or more of our films for your local community. You can purchase a screening licence from our Store.