Organizer

Established by Creo and sponsored by Sony

Location

Global (Shortlisted filmmakers are flown to Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, California, USA)

Deadline

16 December 2025 .

Competition Category The competition includes five categories :

• Fiction: Submissions must be 5 to 20 minutes long and be narrative-led to convey an original fictional story or event .
• Non-Fiction: Submissions must be 5 to 20 minutes long and be predominantly factual in content .
• Animation: Submissions must be 2 to 20 minutes long and include at least 75% animated footage .
• Student: For filmmakers studying a film course at a registered institution at a diploma or degree level worldwide. Submissions must be 5 to 20 minutes long and can be of any genre .
• Future Format: This year’s brief calls for films created for vertical viewing (9:16 aspect ratio), with a length of 2 to 5 minutes .

Eligibility

• Aimed at independent filmmakers worldwide .
• The Student category is for students studying a film course at a registered institution .

Entry Fee

Free .

Prizes/Awards

• All Shortlisted Filmmakers: Receive flights and accommodation to Los Angeles to attend the awards ceremony and an on-site industry-immersive workshop program .
• Category Winners: In addition to the above, winners receive cash prizes, a trophy, and a camera plus lens .
• All winners, shortlisted, and commended entries receive a certificate and online promotion .

Core Introduction

The Sony Future Filmmaker Awards is an annual awards program for short films devoted to supporting and elevating independent filmmakers and creators from across the globe . The program creates new pathways for up-and-coming creators, providing unparalleled insight into the film industry . A total of 30 shortlisted filmmakers will be flown to Sony Pictures Studios in California for an awards ceremony and a bespoke industry immersion program with exclusive workshops and masterclasses led by Sony Pictures executives .