The inaugural Sony Future Filmmaker Awards experience at Sony's Studio lot in Culver City closed to huge success this weekend.
The experience kicked off on Wednesday evening for a black-tie event at Sony Pictures Studio in Culver City, California. An unforgettable night, the shortlisted filmmakers rubbed shoulders with leading voices in the industry, Sony representatives, and press and media on the red carpet. After soaking up the buzz of the opening reception, the filmmakers and other guests enjoyed the ceremony in the Cary Grant Theatre hosted by Entertainment Tonight’s correspondent Denny Directo.
Congratulating today's most promising filmmakers and the exceptional work they have produced, Yosuke Aoki, Head of Imaging Products & Solutions Marketing Div. Sony Corporation presented the Student Filmmaker, Non-Fiction award, which went to Seonghoon Eric Park (Republic of Korea) for his film In Cod We Trust. Cynthia Little, Co-Editor in Chief from Variety presented by Student Filmmaker, Fiction category, which was awarded to Mateo Salas (Colombia, Universidad de Antioquia, Colombia) for The Sun of the River. President and COO of Sony Electronics Neal Manowitz revealed the career-changing news to Pan Tianhong (China Mainland) for Homework for Winter Vacation and Andi Gitow who is the Chief of Advocacy, Entertainment Industry and Civil Society Engagement from United Nations presented Pedro Furtado (Brazil) with his trophy for Filmmaker Environment. Nekesa Moody, the Editorial Director of The Hollywood Reporter presented the Filmmaker, Non-Fiction award to Daniela Lucato (Italy) for The Things You Don’t Know About Me, Mom and the ceremony closed with President of TriStar Pictures Nicole Brown presenting Dan Thorburn the Filmmaker, Fiction category win for his film Salt Water Town. Celebrating the quality and imagination of every film that appeared in the shortlist, the ceremony set the tone for the remaining immersive experience.
Providing the shortlisted filmmakers from around the world with exceptional opportunities to drive their advancement, an essential part of the Sony Future Filmmaker Awards prize is the two-day program of workshops, screenings and tours that followed the ceremony. Held at the Sony Studio lot in Culver City, these workshops have been created specifically for the filmmakers to provide insight, access and opportunities.
We share a few shots from the program.
Think you could be the next Sony Future Filmmaker Award winner? Sign-up to our newsletter and stay updated with our news.
SIGN-UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
Now open for entries!
Submit your short film to the Sony Future Filmmaker Awards 2025