Catchlight Film Festival Presented by Sony Returns

Now in its fifth year, the Catchlight Film Festival Presented by Sony celebrates the best short-form filmmaking shot on Sony cameras across Australia and New Zealand.

The short-film competition continues it’s mission to showcase filmmakers at all levels, from passionate amateurs to those established in the film and television industry, who are using the Sony camera system to capture their stories. There are five categories to enter: Fiction, Non-Fiction, Student Fiction, Music Video, and Cinematic Social. Each category is also judged for Best Cinematography.

PRIZES
In partnership with Sony Pictures Releasing, winners in Fiction, Non-Fiction and Student Fiction categories will be awarded with a unique mentoring experience, where winners are invited to a one-day mentorship with a Sony Pictures sales director and a prominent Australian film producer.

In partnership with Sony Music, the winner of the Music Video category will receive the opportunity to work with the Sony Music team on a visual content package for an emerging Sony Music artist.

In partnership with Sony Australia, the winner of the Cinematic Social category will receive the opportunity to work with Sony Australia Limited on a Social Media & Digital Marketing campaign.

In addition to the prize packages described above, all five category winners also receive $5,000 worth of Sony Digital Imaging product, $5,000 worth of Sony Digital Imaging product loan, and $5,000 cash grant to contribute to an upcoming production.  

For the Best Cinematography Laurel, thanks to the support of the festival’s partners at Lemac, VA Hire, Videocraft and Camera Hire, each category winner for the Best Cinematography Laurel in Fiction, Non-Fiction, Music Video and Cinematic Social will receive a $2,500 rental equipment voucher.

The Best Sony Lens Work Laurel will also continue, to recognise skilful use of Sony's native lens range. The winner of the Best Sony Lens Work Laurel will receive $2,500 worth of Sony Digital Imaging product.

Entries for the Catchlight Film Festival 2025 close Monday 30th June. 

The Catchlight Film Festival Awards ceremony will take place in September 2025, in Sydney. All finalists will receive an invitation to attend the ceremony.

To enter and for more information about the 2025 Catchlight Film Festival, click here.