The six winners received a range of cash prizes and Sony camera equipment.
Creo has unveiled the six winners of the second edition of the Sony Future Filmmaker Awards at a special ceremony in Los Angeles, hosted by Entertainment Tonight’s correspondent Denny Directo. Established by Creo and sponsored by Sony, this annual awards programme for short films aims to foster exceptional cinematic talent and support filmmakers with original storytelling perspectives.
The winners, chosen by a panel of expert judges led by chair Justin Chadwick, include Katie Blair (USA, Fiction), Olawunmi Hassan & Adaobi Samson (Nigeria, Non-Fiction), Solmund MacPherson (Canada, Environment), Kyle Novak (Czech Republic, Animation), Raheem Razak (South Africa, Student), and Cristian Daniel (Uruguay, Future Format).
As part of their prize, this year’s winners and the wider shortlist participated in a week-long industry immersion programme, culminating in the Awards ceremony. This opportunity allowed filmmakers to connect with peers and industry leaders while gaining exclusive behind-the-scenes access. The programme featured workshops led by Sony Pictures executives covering topics such as keynotes from major cinematographers, screenings and Q&A sessions, insights into working with talent agencies, and the use of cutting-edge technologies, animation, film scoring, and music rights. Additionally, the six winners received various cash prizes and Sony camera equipment.
This year’s winners were selected from over 8,400 films submitted by more than 5,000 filmmakers across 148 countries and territories in six categories: Fiction, Non-Fiction, Environment, Animation, Student, and Future Format. The winners were chosen by Michael Barker and Tom Bernard, Co-Founders and Co-Presidents of Sony Pictures Classics; Rob Hardy ASC, BSC, BAFTA award-winning cinematographer; and Kate Reid BSC, acclaimed British cinematographer. These judges recognised creative excellence and original narrative approaches. The 30 shortlisted filmmakers were initially selected from a longlist by celebrated Australian filmmaker Unjoo Moon and Emmy-award-winning cinematographer Robert Primes ASC, with both stages of the judging process chaired by award-winning director Justin Chadwick.
The Sony Future Filmmaker Awards jury commented on this year’s winning and shortlisted filmmakers: “This year’s winners traverse borders and cultures, showcasing a global gathering of creative talent poised to make their mark in our industry. Each winner brings originality to their storytelling, from foreboding societal critiques to surreal family narratives and animated love stories suspended in time. We are impressed by the ingenuity and fresh perspectives these filmmakers offer. It is a pleasure to celebrate the winners and the wider cohort of 30 filmmakers shortlisted this year, and we eagerly anticipate their future contributions to cinema.”
Following the success of this year’s edition, the Sony Future Filmmaker Awards will return for a third edition in spring 2025, with submissions opening later this year.
