Sony (in partnership with Creo)
Free to Apply
Closing: 16th December ’25
This international competition is open to independent filmmakers worldwide across five categories: Fiction (5-20 minutes, narrative-led original fictional stories), Non-Fiction (5-20 minutes, predominantly factual content), Animation (2-20 minutes, any animation technique), Student (5-20 minutes, any genre, for filmmakers studying film at diploma/degree level), and Future Format (2-5 minutes, vertical viewing 9:16 aspect ratio). Films can be shot on any device and must be produced between January 1st, 2024 and December 16th, 2025.
Shortlisted filmmakers (up to 10 for Fiction/Non-Fiction, up to 5 for Animation/Student, winner plus up to 4 commended for Future Format) are flown to Los Angeles for a four-day industry-immersive program at Sony Pictures Studios including workshops with Sony Pictures executives, masterclasses, panel discussions, tours, screenings, Q&As, and an awards ceremony (June 8-12, 2026). Category winners receive Sony camera equipment plus lens, trophies, certificates, and cash prizes: $5,000 USD for Fiction/Non-Fiction/Animation winners, $2,500 USD for Future Format winner.
Student winners and their institutions each receive Sony camera equipment. All shortlisted and commended filmmakers receive online promotion and certificates.