Sony Future Filmmaker Awards Unveils Jury for 2025 Edition

The Sony Future Filmmaker Awards has announced the jury for its 2025 edition, which will take place from June 2 to June 6 at the iconic Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, California.

Returning for its third year, the awards aim to amplify diverse voices and original storytelling through a global platform that provides opportunities for emerging filmmakers to advance their careers.

The 2025 jury features prominent figures in cinema, including Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Jason Reitman (“Juno”, “Ghostbusters: Afterlife”), acclaimed filmmaker and writer Minhal Baig (“Hala”, “BoJack Horseman”), Elizabeth Gabler, President of 3000 Pictures (“Where the Crawdads Sing”), and award-winning director Justin Chadwick (“Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom”). Chadwick, who has served as jury chair since the competition’s inception, expressed excitement about discovering the creativity the new edition will bring.

“Last year’s shortlist showcased exceptional talent, highlighting stories that transformed perspectives. This year, we are eager to see works that not only resonate with audiences but also inspire change,” Chadwick said.

Shortlisted filmmakers will be announced on April 29, 2025, and will participate in an immersive five-day program designed to equip them with industry insights and hands-on experience. The program includes workshops, keynotes from leading cinematographers, screenings, Q&A sessions, and behind-the-scenes access to various aspects of filmmaking. Topics such as animation, music scoring, and collaboration with talent agencies will be explored, with Sony Pictures executives and other professionals leading the sessions.

The event will culminate in an awards ceremony on June 5, where winners in categories including Fiction, Non-Fiction, Animation, and Student will be revealed. The winners will receive cash prizes and Sony digital imaging equipment.

In response to last year’s high-quality entries, the Fiction and Non-Fiction categories have expanded to include 10 filmmakers each, creating a broader platform to celebrate diverse narratives. Additional awards include the Sustainability Prize, which recognizes films addressing themes linked to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, and the Future Format initiative, which encourages filmmaking using smartphones.

The Sony Future Filmmaker Awards, free to enter, remain open for submissions until December 12, 2024. For more information, visit their website

Tag: Sony Future Filmmaker Awards, Justin Chadwick, Jason Reitman, Minhal Baig, Elizabeth Gabler, Emerging Filmmakers, 2025 Awards