Sony Future Filmmaker Awards On Campus: Exclusive Edition is a special initiative open to students enrolled at Hochschule der Medien, Hochschule Macromedia, University of Europe for Applied Science Germany (UE), HFF Munich, Filmakademie Wien and Filmakademie Baden Wuerttemberg and Filmuniversität Babelsberg KONRAD WOLF.
A shortlist of up to eight films, selected by each university, will have the chance to be screened at the local campuses in early 2026. Each finalist will be chosen by each audience and their films will go on to be shown at the exclusive grand finale in Berlin in Summer 2026 (See also the FAQ). During the special event, the jury will announce the overall winner of the On Campus: Exclusive Edition.
The overall winner will receive a range of Sony camera equipment.
Submissions into On Campus: Exclusive Edition are also automatically entered into the Sony Future Filmmaker Awards Student category.
| Winner | Finalists | Shortlist | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony camera equipment | x | ||
| Berlin screening | x | x | |
| Local screening | x | x | x |
Entry requirements
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Students must be enrolled at one of the universities listed above
- Before entering, familiarize yourself with the general Rules and FAQs.
- Videos can be shot on any kind of device or camera
- The length of your video must be between 5-20 minutes
- Entries can be of any genre
- One submission per person per category
- Please make sure your submission is in English (or includes English subtitles)
- Audio is delivered as mono/stereo and not 5.1 surround sound
- You must own full copyright of your entry
- Entries must be produced from January 1 2024 to December 16 2025
- Student filmmakers must still be registered as a student at the time they enter the competition to be considered
Before you enter, please make sure you have:
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- A description of your submission (add this to the ‘series description’ field)
- A link to your short film on an online screener, for example a Vimeo or YouTube URL, that is 1080 pixels ProRes HQ MOV. The link must remain active until July 31 2026 or your submission risks disqualification
- Submissions entered as files / downloads will be disqualified
- A JPEG that illustrates your project
The image used needs to be:
- JPEG format
- Quality 10 or above
- Between 1 to 5MB each
- Set to sRGB color mode
On Campus: Exclusive Edition FAQs
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Submission Process
Please make sure you choose your university during the submission process from the dropdown menu and use an email address that indicates you belong to one of the universities mentioned above.
Next steps:
Please share your movie and ideally, a screenshot of your submission with the defined person at each university to make sure that your submission is registered for the local screening.
When and where does the local screening take place?
The local screening is expected to take place in early 2026. Get in touch with your university to find out the exact date and location. Admission is free.
How does the local screening work?
- All selected short films by students of the respective university where the local screening takes place will be shown
- The shortlist will be selected in advance by each university
- Sony will sponsor a selection of drinks at the local screening event
- At the end of the event, the audience and a defined person from each university will vote for the best short film. The film with the most votes at each location will go on to be screened at the grand finale in Berlin.
Can I bring someone with me to the finale in Berlin?
The winner can be accompanied by one crew member of their choice to attend the screening in Berlin. More information on this process will be provided directly to the winner at a later date.
When will the finale be in Berlin for the Sony Future Filmmaker Award: On Campus Edition?
The finale will take place in Berlin in June 2026. More details to follow soon.
Can I enter the Sony Future Filmmaker Awards On Campus: Exclusive Edition and the Student category if I graduated in the summer semester of 2025?
You can enter the On Campus: Exclusive Edition if you were still registered as a student at one of the universities listed above when the 2026 edition opened (July 15, 2025). Entries into the On Campus: Exclusive Edition are automatically entered into the Sony Future Filmmaker Awards Student category.
Who can I contact if I have further questions about the Sony Future Filmmaker Awards On Campus: Exclusive Edition?
Please write an email to [email protected] or contact the relevant person at your university.
Can I submit additional films to the Sony Future Filmmaker Award in other categories?
Yes, however, a film may only be submitted in one category. Your entry in the On Campus competition will automatically be entered into the Student category.
Where can I find useful tips for me as an aspiring filmmaker?
Sony Ambassador Dennis Schmelz has published a video on the topic with 7 tips on how to get started as a filmmaker.
Judges
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- A past winner from the Sony Future Filmmaker Awards
- Sony Pictures Entertainment Deutschland GmbH representative
- Creo representative
If you're shortlisted in the global Student category, please refer to the ‘If You’re Shortlisted’ accordion here.
If you're shortlisted:
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All shortlisted filmmakers will need to submit a high-resolution file for screening and distribution purposes with the following specifications:
- A high-resolution version with a minimum resolution of 1080 pixels ProRes HQ MOV
and a minimum of 24 frames per second - Your audio mix and stems as separate files
- Clean versions of your film and separate SRT files containing English subtitles
- Separated graphics
- A 30 to 60-second trailer of your film
- If your film is shortlisted, you agree clips from your films will be used for PR and marketing purposes
- You’ll also be asked to submit 3 to 5 high-res stills, a film poster, your portrait (all images will need to be 300ppi at 3508 pixels on the longest side). Additionally you’ll need to provide a synopsis, a biography plus a list of cast and crew