The Sony Future Filmmaker Awards announced today the 2025 winners during a special ceremony hosted by Emmy-award winner Denny Directo (Entertainment Tonight) in the iconic Sony Pictures Studios Scenic Arts Building in Culver City. Now in its third edition, this trailblazing global awards program for short films established by Creo and sponsored by Sony ignites the careers of emerging visionaries, amplifying bold storytelling from different corners of the world.
Selected for their outstanding work from over 11,750 films submitted by more than 7,500 filmmakers across 158 countries and territories, the winners of the Sony Future Filmmaker Awards 2025 are: Rossana Montoya (Colombia, Fiction), Juliet Klottrup (United Kingdom, Non-Fiction), Santiago O’Ryan & José Navarro (Chile, Animation), and Hayder Hoozeer & Franz Böhm (United Kingdom / Germany, Student).
The jury gathered leading figures from the industry including filmmaker and writer Minhal Baig(We Grown Now, Hala, BoJack Horseman); President of 3000 Pictures Elizabeth Gabler (Where the Crawdads Sing, upcoming Klara and the Sun, Life of Pi); Academy Award®-nominated filmmaker Jason Reitman (Saturday Night, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, Juno) and award-winning director Justin Chadwick (Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, The Other Boleyn Girl, upcoming Sierra Madre) as chair of the Jury to evaluate creative excellence and innovative storytelling, selecting the winning filmmakers from a wider shortlist.
“It is truly exciting to look toward the future of filmmaking through the eyes of this incredible group of winners. As new custodians of the craft, each of them brings a particular vision that challenges the status quo as well as breathing new life into the stories we tell. The Sony Future Filmmaker Awards are not only about recognising this talent — they’re about supporting and empowering those who will shape the industry for years to come, and we are eager to see how they continue to redefine the cinematic landscape.”
– The Sony Future Filmmaker Awards Jury –
The Awards help to inspire, equip, and empower the next generation of filmmakers at a pivotal moment in their careers; as part of their prize, this year’s winners and the broader shortlist across the four categories participated in an immersive four-day industry program at Sony Pictures Studios from June 2-5, 2025, culminating in the Awards ceremony. Through a carefully curated program of workshops led by Sony Pictures executives, screenings, and behind-the-scenes access, participants deepened their understanding of the craft and sharpened their skills while forging meaningful connections with industry leaders and fellow creators from around the globe. The program explored topics such as cinematography masterclasses, script-writing, navigating talent deals, cutting-edge technology demonstrations, and the art of soundtracking a story. In addition, the four winners also receive cash prizes and Sony Digital Imaging equipment.
Following a successful third edition, the Sony Future Filmmaker Awards will return for a fourth edition in spring 2026, with submissions opening July 2025.
2025 WINNERS
FICTION
Rossana Montoya
Colombia
My Demon
DP Mauricio Reyes Serrano
As they race to the hospital for the imminent birth of their first child, Eva and Jacobo clash over their relationship. Shot in a single 17-minute take, the film infuses the raw emotional intensity of two on-screen characters into this intimate narrative.
NON-FICTION
Juliet Klottrup
United Kingdom
Travelling Home
DP Sam Finney
An English Romany Traveller reflects on his heritage and the annual pilgrimage to Appleby Fair. Shot on 16mm film, the analogue texture enhances the film’s exploration of time, tradition, and belonging, reflecting Klottrup’s collaborative approach with local communities and her visual artistry focused on rural identity.
ANIMATION
Santiago O’Ryan & José Navarro
Chile
Hermanos Casablanca (Casablanca Brothers)
At the height of the Pinochet dictatorship, two divers agree to help an army official in the hope of receiving information on their missing sister in return. The film employs engaging visual storytelling and a muted and dark colour palette to evoke a sense of loss, uncertainty and danger.
STUDENT
Hayder Hoozeer & Franz Böhm
United Kingdom / Germany
Rock Paper Scissors
DP Hsien-Yu Niu
Based on a true story, a father and son in a warzone hospital face life-or-death choices as their hideout becomes increasingly compromised. Their direction uses stark colour contrasts and claustrophobic settings to heighten the film’s emotional impact, supporting the actors’ powerful performances.
