Prizes
Free to enter, the Sony Future Filmmaker Awards elevates the original voices that bring a fresh perspective to storytelling. The shortlisted filmmakers are flown to Los Angeles for an exclusive four-day event to gain unparalleled insight into all aspects of the filmmaking process to advance their careers. After a black-tie awards ceremony at the Cary Grant Theatre, the 30 successful filmmakers benefit from a four-day workshop program. Aimed at breakthrough artists and independent filmmakers worldwide, there are six categories: Fiction, Non-Fiction, Environment, Animation, Student and Future Format.
Each category awards a winner and a shortlist of up to five.
Category Winners | Shortlist | |
---|---|---|
Flight to Los Angeles and accommodation* | x | x |
Ceremony attendance | x | x |
Four-day workshop program at Sony Pictures Studios** | x | x |
Camera plus lens*** | x | |
Certificate | x | |
Trophy | x | |
Cash prizes**** | x |
*Includes flights and accommodation for the shortlisted filmmaker. Should the filmmaker have worked with a cinematographer / director on the selected film, and that individual be credited accordingly, they may also attend the four-day program, but their associated costs (including flight and accommodation) must be covered at their own expense.
**Topics covered in workshops will include: casting, physical production, animation, legal, CGI, innovation at Sony, pitching process, sound and music mixing, post-production, talent agencies, TV and studio tours.
***Student category winner and institution each receive Sony camera equipment.
****Fiction, Non-Fiction, Environment and Animation category winners also receive a $5,000 (USD) cash prize. Future Format category winner receives a $2,500 (USD) cash prize.
If you’re shortlisted
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 during the Awards night and 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
Now open for entries!
Submit your short film to the Sony Future Filmmaker Awards 2025