Sony Future Filmmaker Awards is accepting applications for 2026 edition

Sony Future Filmmaker Awards 2026 categories:

1. Fiction / Non-Fiction / Animation / Student Categories

• Submissions may be filmed using any type of device or camera.

• Each participant may submit only one entry per category.

• All submissions must be in English or include accurate English subtitles.

• Audio must be delivered in mono or stereo format; 5.1 surround sound is not permitted.

• Eligible works must have been produced between January 1, 2024, and December 16, 2025.

2. Future Format Category

• Films must be designed specifically for vertical viewing (9:16 aspect ratio).

• The total duration, including credits, must range between 2 to 5 minutes.

• Submissions may be recorded on any device, with emphasis placed on creativity in vertical storytelling.

• Each participant may submit only one entry.

• All submissions must be in English or include English subtitles.

• Audio must be delivered in mono or stereo format; 5.1 surround sound is not accepted.

• Eligible works must have been produced between January 1, 2024, and December 16, 2025.

• Exclusions: Repurposed horizontal content lacking a clear vertical concept; Social media–style videos (e.g., TikTok edits, vlogs, or trend-based content).

Eligibility:

• Both emerging and professional photographers and filmmakers (Student filmmakers must still be registered as a student at the time of the entry) over the age of 18 from across the globe can apply for this award

Project/event location:

• California, U.S

Participation fee:

• Free for entry

Award/prize: 

• Fiction, Non-Fiction and Animation category winners receive a $5,000 cash prize. Future Format category winner receives a $2,500 cash prize

• The Student category winner receives one piece of Sony camera equipment, and another piece of equipment is awarded to the winner’s institution

• Exhibition and promotion

• Return Flight tickets and accommodation for the program workshops and award ceremony

Application requirements:

• Online application form

• CV/portfolio

• Artist statement

• A JPEG that illustrates project

• A link of the short film on an online screener, for example a Vimeo or YouTube URL, that is 1080 pixels ProRes HQ MOV. The link must remain active until July 31 2026 (if not submission risks disqualification)

• After being shortlisted: A high-resolution version with a minimum resolution of 1080 pixels ProRes HQ MOV and a minimum of 24 frames per second should be submitted with the clean versions of the film and separate SRT files containing English subtitles; Separated graphics and a 30 to 60-second trailer of the film

• Works-in-progress are not eligible for submission

The submission closes:

• 16 December, 2025