Sony Future Filmmaker Awards 2025
Lights, camera, action!
The Sony Future Filmmaker Awards 2026 are now open and accepting short films by filmmakers around the world.
Now in its fourth year, this industry-immersive program creates new pathways and connections for up-and-coming creators, providing unparalleled insight into the film industry.
How do you join?
Enter your short film into one of the four categories:
Fiction and Non-Fiction categories award a winner and a shortlist of up to 10. Animation and Student categories award a winner and a shortlist of up to 5.
You can also enter into the Future Format competition which challenges filmmakers to respond to a technical brief. This year, we invite you to create a short film designed specifically for vertical viewing (9:16 aspect ratio), exploring the possibilities of this cinematic medium.
What happens next?
You could become one of the 30 shortlisted filmmakers flown to Los Angeles to attend a unique, career-boosting program at Sony Pictures Studios.
From insightful workshops and Q&As with Sony Pictures executives to mind-blowing tours of new technology, this jam-packed week unlocks doors to new opportunities and helps you build a successful career in film.
For the grand finale, filmmakers get to celebrate their successes at a glamorous awards night held at Sony Pictures Studios, which offers a perfect opportunity to connect with fellow filmmakers and leading voices in the film industry.
Deadline: 16 December 2025 at 7AM CT