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Mid East Info
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Mid East Info
Sony Future Filmmaker Awards Announce Winners of 2025 Global Competition - Middle East Business News and Information
(Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 9 June 2025) – 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. The Sony Future Filmmaker Awards jury shared their collective admiration for this year's winners and shortlisted filmmakers: ' 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 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. The winners of the Sony Future Filmmaker Awards 2025 are: FICTION The Fiction category rewards narrative-led submissions that convey an original fictional story or event. The category winner receives Sony Digital Imaging equipment and a $5,000 (USD) cash prize. In the Fiction category, the winner was presented by Jason Reitman, Academy Award®-nominated filmmaker and Sony Future Filmmaker Awards 2025 jury member : 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 The Non-Fiction category awards short films that are predominantly factual in content. These can include archive footage, documentary footage, reenactments and animation. The category winner receives Sony Digital Imaging equipment and a $5,000 (USD) cash prize. In the Non-Fiction category, the winner was presented by Elizabeth Gabler, President, 3000 Pictures and Sony Future Filmmaker Awards 2025 jury member : 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 The Animation category embraces filmmakers using stop-motion, motion graphics, computer animation, drawn-on-film, rotoscoping, experimental animation, and additional available techniques. The category winner receives Sony Sony Digital Imaging equipment and a $5,000 (USD) cash prize. In the Animation category, the winner was presented by Minhal Baig, filmmaker, writer, and Sony Future Filmmaker Awards 2025 jury member : 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 The Student category rewards filmmakers studying a film course at a registered institution at a diploma or degree level worldwide. The category winner and their institution each receive Sony Digital Imaging equipment. In the Student category, the winner was presented by Tatsuhito Tabuchi, Head of New Contents Creation Business Unit, Sony Corporation : 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. Following a successful third edition, the Sony Future Filmmaker Awards will return for a fourth edition in spring 2026, with submissions opening July 2025. To learn more about the winning and shortlisted filmmakers, please visit . 2025 WINNERS & SHORTLIST FICTION Winner Rossana Montoya (Colombia), My Demon Shortlist Miguel Angel Caballero & Luis Antonio Aldana (USA), The Ballad of Tita and the Machines Ethan Evans & Jess Bartlett (UK), Outside Noise Alexis Gómez (México), Bumbumpapá Meng Han Hsieh (Taiwan) & Menna Morgan (UK), The Test Irene Lopez & Robin Asselmeyer (Sweden), Killing R Linda Ludwig (Germany) & James Curle (UK), Under The Blue Andrew McGee (UK), First Sight Florine & Kim Nüesch (Switzerland), Marriage Unplugged Robin Takao D'Oench (USA), Fireline NON-FICTION Winner Juliet Klottrup (UK), Travelling Home Shortlist César Flores Correa (México), A Field That No Longer Smells of Flowers Will Hewitt & Austen McCowan (UK), Have You Seen The Beast? Kieran Hodges (New Zealand) & Eduardo Vento (Portugal), Justice Brothers Annabel Moodie (UK), Friends on the Outside Loic Niyonkuru & Floriane Kaneza (Burundi), Before 16 Stefan Pollak (UK), ALT Jay Kirsten Slemint (Australia), Burnt Country Riah Taipodia (India), Khiew Ranei (Black Clay) Shaquille Zaki Nathandra & Quina Qaumitaquna Mirxela (Indonesia), Tanah Kitai (Our Land) ANIMATION Winner Santiago O'Ryan & José Navarro (Chile), Hermanos Casablanca (Casablanca Brothers) Shortlist Rich Farris (UK), From The Top Case Jernigan (USA), Noggin Fadi Syriani & Jana Wehbe (Lebanon), All This Death ( The Day Vladimir Died) Leo Wright (UK), The Big Bad Wolf STUDENT Winner Hayder Hoozeer (UK) & Franz Böhm (Germany), Rock Paper Scissors The National Film & Television School Shortlist Luis J. Arellano (México), Long Journey Till Dawn Centro de Capacitación Cinematográfica Muhammed Ashfaque (India), URA K R Narayanan National Institute of Visual Science and Arts Gianfranco Fernández-Ruiz & Gus Murray (USA), When Big People Lie American Film Institute Faith Olaewe & Doyinsola Ajayi (Nigeria), Angel in the Stone EbonyLife Creative Academy FUTURE FORMAT Winner Bijan Gashti (Islamic Republic of Iran), Select/Or Shortlist Joni Astin Ariadi (Indonesia), Sleeping Monster Siwei Yu (China Mainland), Love is the End NOTES TO EDITORS For media inquiries, please contact: Polly Brock, Hugo Ximenes (Creo) – media@ Steven Wilson, Kylie Elliot, Austin Good (Scenario Communications) – sffawards@ Film press kits are available to download on . Images from the Awards ceremony are available to download here . Established by Creo and sponsored by Sony, the Sony Future Filmmaker Awards is a major annual awards program for short films devoted to supporting and elevating independent filmmakers and creators from across the globe. Set apart by its exceptional prize, the Awards provide successful filmmakers with invaluable opportunities in the form of a trip to Los Angeles and to the historic Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, California, where they gain exclusive access to experts and unparalleled insight into the inner workings of the industry. Winners additionally receive cash prizes and a range of Sony Digital Imaging equipment. Free to enter, the Awards comprise four categories: Fiction, Non-Fiction, Student and Animation, and are judged by a panel of leading figures. By supporting talents in film, video and storytelling, the Sony Future Filmmaker Awards provides a gateway for the development of creative excellence. Creo initiates and organizes events and programming across three key strands: photography, film and contemporary art. Since 2007 Creo's mission has been to develop meaningful opportunities for creatives and to expand the reach of its cultural activities. Its flagship projects include the Sony World Photography Awards, Sony Future Filmmaker Awards, PHOTOFAIRS and Photo London. Working in partnership with Angus Montgomery Arts (AMA), Creo helps deliver the group's ventures, comprising some of the world's leading art fairs. Taking its name from the Latin for 'I create,' it is in this spirit that Creo sets out to empower and give agency to creative voices. Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Group Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. Sony Pictures Television operates dozens of wholly-owned or joint-venture production companies around the world. SPE's Motion Picture Group production organizations include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, 3000 Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films, AFFIRM Films, Sony Pictures International Productions, and Sony Pictures Classics. For more information, visit . About Sony Middle East and Africa: Sony Middle East and Africa FZE is a 100% subsidiary of Sony Corporation and is the regional headquarters for the Middle East and Africa regions. The company is engaged in the business of Sony Consumer Electronics, Mobile Electronics (Car Audio), broadcasting and professional products and Computer Entertainment (PlayStation) products in more than 40 countries in the region. Apart from stock operations in the Jebel Ali Free Zone Establishment in Dubai, Sony Middle East and Africa leads execution of various logistics, sales, marketing, advertising and customer services activities through its business partners. 353 accredited third-party service centres reinforce Sony's presence in key markets in the region. About Sony Corporation Sony Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation and is responsible for the Entertainment, Technology & Services (ET&S) business. With the mission to 'create the future of entertainment through the power of technology together with creators,' we aim to continue to deliver Kando* to people around the world. For more information, visit: *Kando is a Japanese word that roughly translates to the sense of awe and emotion you feel when experiencing something beautiful and amazing for the first time. For media enquiries, please contact:
New Indian Express
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Alappuzha man in line for Sony film awards
ALAPPUZHA: Alappuzha native Mohammed Ashfaque has been shortlisted for the Sony Future Filmmakers Awards, a prestigious global platform organised by Sony and Creo to encourage emerging talents in filmmaking from around the world. Ashfaque, a final-year cinematography student at the K R Narayanan National Institute of Visual Science and Arts, Kottayam, made it to the final shortlist in the students category of the awards. The short film titled 'URA' produced by the institute and cinema to - gaphed by Ashfaque, was selected among the top five entries in the category. The short list was chosen from 11,750 films submitted by more than 7,500 filmmakers across 158 countries and territories. The other shortlisted films in the students category include: 'Long Journey Till Down' by Luis JArellano (Mexico); 'When Big People Lie' by Gianfranco Fernandez-Ruiz and GusMurrai (USA); 'Rock Paper Scissors' by Hayder Hoozeer (UK) and Franz Bohm (Germany); ' Angel in the Stone' by Faith Olaewe and Doyinsola Ajayi (Nigeria) The shortlisted winners will be given the chance to attend a four-day immersive programme behind the scenes at the Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City from June 2 to 5. The award ceremony will be held on June 5 at Sony Pictures Studios in Los Angeles. He is the son of Abdul Gafoor and Sajeena Gafoor, from Bahrain House (Saga) in Alappuzha, Kerala.
Mid East Info
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Mid East Info
2026 COMPETITION LAUNCH - Middle East Business News and Information
(Dubai, UAE, 2 JUNE 2025) – The 19 th edition of the Sony World Photography Awards is open for submissions and free for all to enter on . The Sony World Photography Awards is a definitive platform for the celebration and discovery of contemporary photography. Since its first edition in 2007, the Awards has recognised the seminal images and stories that shape our visual language and is one of the most prestigious photographic awards programmes in the world, providing global exposure and new opportunities for photographers. Organised by Creo, the Awards form the core part of Creo's photography programming strand, the World Photography Organisation. Sony supports the Awards to help the continued development of photographic culture by giving a global platform to today's talent. Photographers worldwide are invited to submit to the Awards' four competitions: Professional , celebrating outstanding series of work between five to 10 images across 10 categories; Open , rewarding the best single images of the year across 10 categories; Youth , championing images by emerging talent aged 19 and under; and Student , highlighting the projects of photography students across the globe. Additional initiatives include the National & Regional Awards , the Latin America Professional Award , the Japan National Award , and the Alpha Female Award , as well as the Sustainability Prize . Entry to the Awards is free and photographers are judged anonymously by a panel of industry leading judges. INSIGHTS Introduced for the 2025 Professional competition and returning for a second year, Insights is an additional prize element that sees the 10 category winners joining a day of tailored sessions in London with leading industry figures. From a range of commercial and institutional backgrounds, these experts offer the photographers specialised guidance on ways to continue to widen their platform and to find new opportunities to showcase their work; from insights into private collectors of photography, to sessions on photobook publishing, and behind the scenes access to the acquisition process of public collections. STUDENT COMPETITION BRIEF: TOGETHER For this year's Student competition, photographers are asked to respond to the brief Together. Togetherness can take many meanings, shapes and forms. It is a subject rich for exploration. Throughout history photographers have looked at life in communities in both the human and the natural world, considering the ways that individuals exist as members of a group. For this year's brief, students are invited to explore the theme of togetherness from any angle they choose, looking at the concept in its broadest sense. From intimate stories of camaraderie to big and small communities working towards shared goals, to places and spaces that bring us together, and patterns of connection in the natural world – the brief invites students of photography to consider the innate need for sociality in all living beings. Images can be taken on any device, shot in any style, and approached from any angle. While creative responses are encouraged, photographers must stick to the brief. 2026 PRIZES AND DEADLINES The Sony World Photography Awards is open to submissions from 1 June 2025. Full competition and category descriptions can be found at . Deadlines for submission across the Awards' four competitions are: Professional: 13 January 2026, 13:00 GMT Open: 6 January 2026, 13:00 GMT Student: 28 November 2025, 13:00 GMT Youth: 6 January 2026, 13:00 GMT All category winners of the Professional, Open, Youth and Student competitions will receive digital imaging equipment from Sony. In addition, cash prizes of $25,000 (USD) will be presented to the Photographer of the Year, $5,000 (USD) to the Open Photographer of the Year and $5,000 (USD) to the winner of the Sustainability Prize. The winner of the Photographer of the Year title will also be rewarded with a solo presentation of their work as part of the Sony World Photography Awards exhibition in London the following year. All winning and shortlisted photographers' works will be exhibited at the annual Sony World Photography Awards exhibition in London and will then be toured internationally. The winning images will also be published in the annual Awards' book. ### NOTES TO EDITORS For press inquiries, please contact: Polly Brock / Hugo Ximenes media@ SONY WORLD PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS Produced by Creo under its photography strand World Photography Organisation, the internationally acclaimed Sony World Photography Awards is one of the most important fixtures in the global photographic calendar. Now in its 19th year, the free-to-enter Awards are a global voice for photography and provide a vital insight into contemporary photography today. For both established and emerging artists, the Awards offer world-class opportunities for exposure of their work. The Awards additionally recognise the world's most influential artists working in the medium through the Outstanding Contribution to Photography award; previous recipients include William Eggleston (2013), Mary Ellen Mark (2014), Martin Parr (2017), Graciela Iturbide (2021), Edward Burtynsky (2022), Sebastião Salgado (2024) and Susan Meiselas (2025). The Awards showcase the works of winning and shortlisted photographers at a prestigious annual exhibition at Somerset House, London. WORLD PHOTOGRAPHY ORGANISATION World Photography Organisation is a leading global platform dedicated to the development and advancement of photographic culture. Its programming and competition initiatives provide valuable opportunities for artists working in photography and help broaden the conversation around their work. The Sony World Photography Awards is World Photography Organisation's principal programme. Established in 2007, it is one of the world's biggest and most prestigious photography competitions; celebrating the work of leading and emerging practitioners and attracting tens of thousands of visitors annually to its exhibitions worldwide. World Photography Organisation is the photography strand of Creo, which initiates events and programming across three sectors: photography, film and contemporary art. FOLLOW WORLD PHOTOGRAPHY ORGANISATION ON SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: @worldphotoorg LinkedIn: World Photography Organisation Facebook: World Photography Organisation CREO Creo initiates and organises events and programming across three key strands: photography, film and contemporary art. Established in 2007 as World Photography Organisation, Creo has since grown in scope, furthering its mission of developing meaningful opportunities for creatives and expanding the reach of its cultural activities. Today, its flagship projects include the Sony World Photography Awards, Sony Future Filmmaker Awards, PHOTOFAIRS and Photo London. Working in partnership with Angus Montgomery Arts, Creo helps deliver the group's ventures, comprising some of the world's leading art fairs. Taking its name from the Latin for 'I create', it is in this spirit that Creo sets out to empower and give agency to creative voices. About Sony Middle East and Africa Sony Middle East and Africa FZE is a 100% subsidiary of Sony Corporation and is the regional headquarters for the Middle East and Africa regions. The company is engaged in the business of Sony Consumer Electronics, Mobile Electronics (Car Audio), broadcasting and professional products and Computer Entertainment (PlayStation) products in more than 40 countries in the region. About Sony Corporation Sony Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation and is responsible for the Entertainment, Technology & Services (ET&S) business. With the mission to 'create the future of entertainment through the power of technology together with creators,' we aim to continue to deliver Kando* to people around the world. For more information, visit: *Kando is a Japanese word that roughly translates to the sense of awe and emotion you feel when experiencing something beautiful and amazing for the first time. For media enquiries, please contact:
Campaign ME
16-05-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
OMG consolidates influencer marketing under Creo in MENA
Omnicom Media Group (OMG), the media services division of Omnicom, is consolidating its influencer marketing capabilities in MENA under its influencer management brand, Creo. The move aims to enable OMG to bring its proven 'influencers as a media channel' framework to its operations across the Middle East, offering clients access to best-in-class tools, technologies, and data-driven strategies. 'With our region's unparalleled growth in digital consumption and influencers playing an instrumental role in shaping brand perceptions, consolidating our influencer marketing capabilities under Creo ensures our clients can harness the full potential of this communication channel,' said Elda Choucair, CEO of Omnicom Media Group. 'This gives them access to the same advanced tools, talent, and technology we've developed globally, but adapted to our region's unique landscape,' she said. OMG has appointed Anthony Nghayoui to lead Creo. With more than 10 years of experience in social media, performance and creator marketing, he brings a highly analytical perspective into creator marketing, including data-driven planning and integrating advanced measurement solutions. Nghayoui has led many creator campaigns across multiple sectors and worked on influencer marketing tech and product development. He's a member of the IAB global creator economy task force and the ABG MENA influencer marketing committee. 'Anthony and his team can now go even further to multiply the power of creators and make a difference to our clients and brands,' Choucair said. Creo addresses measurement challenges in a fragmented market by using Omni, Omnicom's open operating system and marketing orchestration platform. This integrated approach aims to improve creator discovery, planning, and measurement, while directly connecting creators' actions to consumer responses.
Arab News
15-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Omnicom Media Group consolidates influencer marketing services in Mideast
DUBAI: Omnicom Media Group has announced that it will consolidate its influencer marketing capabilities in the Middle East and North Africa region under influencer management agency Creo following a global directive last month. The move 'ensures our clients can harness the full potential of this communication channel' as digital consumption grows in the region and influencers play an 'instrumental role in shaping brand perceptions,' said CEO Elda Choucair. Creo will give the group's clients 'access to the same advanced tools, talent and technology we've developed globally, but adapted to our region's unique landscape,' she added. These include tools such as the Creo Influencer Agent, an AI-powered influencer selection tool; the Omni Creator Performance Predictor, which uses machine learning to predict the performance of content on Instagram; and the Creator Briefing Tool, which helps influencers create and get feedback on their content through Google's AI chatbot Gemini. The agency will also leverage exclusive partnerships with platforms such as Amazon, TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat in the region. Anthony Nghayoui, head of social and influencer at Omnicom Media Group, has been appointed to lead Creo.
