Sony Future Filmmaker Awards 2027 Competition Launch

(ASIA PACIFIC, 16 JULY 2026) — The 2027 edition of the Sony Future Filmmaker Awards is open for submissions and free for all to enter on sonyfuturefilmmakerawards.com.

Now in their fifth year, the Sony Future Filmmaker Awards spotlight and celebrate the filmmakers reshaping the cinema of tomorrow. Established by Creo in partnership with Sony, the program transforms potential into momentum by identifying exceptional filmmakers at their breakthrough point and connecting them directly with the industry. This year, the Awards are pleased to introduce the Immersive category, presented by Meta, which celebrates bold, experiential storytelling.

The shortlisted filmmakers are flown to Los Angeles to take part in an exclusive industry program, running from June 7-10, 2027 at the iconic Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, culminating in a gala ceremony on June 10, 2027. Across four days of engaging and interactive sessions and masterclasses, shortlisted filmmakers are immersed in Hollywood’s inner workings. Led by Sony Pictures executives, the sessions explore key facets of the industry, from production, film acquisition, and working with press and publicists, to cutting-edge technology demonstrations, animation techniques, and the art of soundtracking. The program is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to forge meaningful connections with global industry leaders and fellow creators, becoming part of a dynamic network of international filmmakers whilst sharpening their skills and expertise. Set apart by this exceptional prize, the Awards help to inspire, equip, and empower the next generation of filmmakers.

For the 2027 edition, the Sony Future Filmmaker Awards introduces the Immersive category, presented by Meta, welcoming short films that place audiences inside the story with immersive formats including 3D, 180°, and 360° video. As these technologies reshape contemporary filmmaking, this new category celebrates bold, experiential storytelling across any genre – fiction or non fiction, live-action or animation. The Immersive category provides a space for filmmakers exploring the creative potential of these formats.

Filmmakers are invited to submit their short films in six categories:

• The Fiction category seeks narrative-led entries that convey an original fictional story or event. Submissions must be between 5 and 20 minutes in length. The winner, chosen from a shortlist of 10 filmmakers, will receive Sony Digital Imaging equipment, a Meta VR device and a $5,000 (USD) cash prize.
• The Non-Fiction category is open to films between 5 and 20 minutes long which are predominantly factual in content. The winner, chosen from a shortlist of 10 filmmakers, will receive Sony Digital Imaging equipment, a Meta VR device and a $5,000 (USD) cash prize.
• The Immersive category celebrates short films that use immersive video to place audiences inside the story. Submissions must utilise one or more of three Immersive formats (3D, 180°, and/or 360° video), be 5–20 minutes in length and can span any genre, from fiction to documentary, live action to animation. One winner will be chosen and a shortlist of up to two. The winner receives a Meta VR device and a $5,000 (USD) cash prize.
• The Animation category is open to 2 to 20-minute long animated films using all available techniques, including but not limited to stop-motion, motion graphics, computer animation, drawn-on-film, rotoscoping, and experimental animation. Selected from a shortlist of five filmmakers, the winner will receive Sony Digital Imaging equipment, a Meta VR device, and a $5,000 (USD) cash prize.
• The Student category rewards filmmakers studying a film course at a registered institution at a diploma or degree level worldwide. Institutions that make up the shortlist are selected by continent to ensure a diverse range of global talent. Submissions must be between 5 and 20 minutes in length and can be of any genre. Selected from a shortlist of five filmmakers, the winner and their institution will each receive Sony Digital Imaging equipment, and the winner will also receive a Meta VR device.
• The Future Format category challenges filmmakers to respond to a technical brief that explores the creative possibilities of bold and innovative storytelling. This year Future Format entrants are invited to submit shorts created specifically for vertical viewing (9:16 aspect ratio). Submissions must be between 2 and 5 minutes in length, can be of any genre, and shot on any device. Selected from up to five commended entries, the winner will be invited to join the four-day workshop program in Los Angeles in June 2027 and receive a $2,500 (USD) cash prize and Sony Digital Imaging equipment.

The category winners will be selected by the judging panel. The Fiction, Non-Fiction, Immersive, Animation, and Student winners will be revealed at the ceremony in Los Angeles on June 10, 2027, and the Future Format category winner and commended filmmakers will be revealed in April 2027.

Also returning to this year’s Awards is the Sustainability Prize, set up by Creo and Sony to spotlight a short film that creatively communicates how environment, accessibility, diversity, equality and inclusion can encourage us to act together to ensure a positive future for the planet. The winner receives a $5,000 (USD) cash prize, Sony Digital Imaging equipment and promotion across the Sony Future Filmmaker Awards channels and website.

The deadline for entries to the 2027 Awards is December 15, 2026 at 07:00 AM (CST). For more information and to submit to the Awards, please visit  sonyfuturefilmmakerawards.com.

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NOTES TO EDITORS  

For media inquiries, please contact:
Polly Brock, Wiktoria Czajka – media@creoarts.com

Established by Creo and sponsored by Sony, the Sony Future Filmmaker Awards are a major annual awards program for short films devoted to supporting and elevating independent filmmakers and creators from across the globe. Set apart by an exceptional prize, the Awards provide successful filmmakers with invaluable opportunities in the form of a trip to Los Angeles and to the historic Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, California, where they gain exclusive access to experts and unparalleled insight into the inner workings of the industry. Winners additionally receive cash prizes and a range of Sony Digital Imaging equipment. Free to enter, the Awards comprise six categories: Fiction, Non-Fiction, Immersive, Animation, Student, and Future Format, and are judged by a panel of leading figures. By supporting talents in film, video and storytelling, the Sony Future Filmmaker Awards provide a gateway for the development of creative excellence. sonyfuturefilmmakerawards.com

Creo initiates and organizes events and programming across three key strands: photography, film and contemporary art. Since 2007 Creo’s mission has been to develop meaningful opportunities for creatives and to expand the reach of its cultural activities. Its flagship projects include the Sony World Photography Awards, Sony Future Filmmaker Awards, PHOTOFAIRS and Photo London. Working in partnership with Angus Montgomery Arts (AMA), Creo helps deliver the group’s ventures, comprising some of the world’s leading art fairs. Taking its name from the Latin for “I create,” it is in this spirit that Creo sets out to empower and give agency to creative voices. creoarts.com

Sony Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation and is responsible for the Entertainment, Technology & Services (ET&S) business. With the mission to “create the future of entertainment through the power of technology together with creators,” we aim to continue to deliver Kando* to people around the world. For more information, visit: www.sony.net.

*Kando is a Japanese word that roughly translates to the sense of awe and emotion you feel when experiencing something beautiful and amazing for the first time.

Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Group Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. Sony Pictures Television operates dozens of wholly-owned or joint-venture production companies around the world. SPE’s Motion Picture Group production organizations include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, 3000 Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films, AFFIRM Films, Sony Pictures International Productions, and Sony Pictures Classics. For more information, visit www.sonypictures.com/corp/divisions.

About Sony Electronics (Singapore)
Sony Electronics (Singapore) is responsible for the marketing and sales of Sony products in Singapore. It also handles export business for Sony products from Singapore to various parts of Asia. Since establishing our presence in Singapore in 1973, we have grown steadily over the years to become a leader in the electronics market. For more information on Sony’s products and services in Singapore, please visit http://www.sony.com.sg/

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