From over 11,750 films submitted by more than 7,500 filmmakers, the Sony Future Filmmaker Awards announced the 2025 winners (see shortlist) at a special ceremony hosted by Denny Directo of Entertainment Tonight.
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 Sony Future Filmmaker Awards jury shared their collective admiration for this year’s winners and shortlisted filmmakers in a statement, saying “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 recognizing 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 winners of the Sony Future Filmmaker Awards 2025 are:
Sony Future Filmmaker Awards 2025 Winners
FICTION
Rossana Montoya (Colombia), My Demon – 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 (UK), Travelling Home – 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 (UK) & Franz Böhm (Germany), The National Film & Television School, Rock Paper Scissors – 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 color contrasts and claustrophobic settings to heighten the film’s emotional impact, supporting the actors’ powerful performances.