SONY: Catchlight Film Festival 2026

Sony presents the Catchlight Film Festival to once again celebrate the best short-form filmmaking shot on Sony cameras across Australia and New Zealand. The Festival continues its mission to encourage filmmakers at all levels, from passionate amateurs to industry veterans, showcasing the exceptional talent and abilities of cinematographers and filmmakers who are using the Sony system to capture their stories.

What’s New in 2026?

The prize structure for the major categories remains the same in 2025, carrying forward the improved prize structure, with prizing split into separate gear and grant elements, but the Cinematic Social category has been retired in 2026.

In partnership with sister companies Sony Pictures Releasing and Sony Music, winners in Fiction, Non-Fiction and Student Fiction will be awarded with a unique experience as well as a prize package of Sony digital imaging products. In addition, Sony are continuing their Catchlight laurel awards that highlight exceptional cinematography, as well as the skillful use of Sony’s native lens range, each with a valuable prize attached.

Fiction Winner

• VIP tickets for the Catchlight Film Festival award ceremony in Sydney for up to 5 people from the production crew.
• A film-maker’s prize package consisting of:
  • $5,000 worth of Sony Digital Imaging products,
  • A Sony Digital Imaging product loan, up to the value of $5,000, subject to acceptance of the terms set out in clause 13
  • a $5,000 grant, subject to acceptance of the terms set out in clause 14
• Up to 3 people from the production team will receive a Sony Pictures Professional Development/Mentoring Session with a Senior Executive at Sony Pictures Releasing and a prominent Australian Producer.

Fiction Runner-Up

• VIP tickets for the Catchlight Film Festival award ceremony in Sydney for up to 5 people from the production crew.

Non-Fiction Winner

• VIP tickets for the Catchlight Film Festival award ceremony in Sydney for up to 5 people from the production crew.
• A film-maker’s prize package consisting of:
  • $5,000 worth of Sony Digital Imaging products,
  • A Sony Digital Imaging product loan, up to the value of $5,000, subject to acceptance of the terms set out in clause 13
  • a $5,000 grant, subject to acceptance of the terms set out in clause 14
• Up to 3 people from the production team will receive a Professional Development Session with a panel of industry professionals.

Non-Fiction Runner-Up

• VIP tickets for the Catchlight Film Festival award ceremony in Sydney for up to 5 people from the production crew.

Music Video Winner

• VIP tickets for the Catchlight Film Festival award ceremony in Sydney for up to 5 people from the production crew.
• A film-maker’s prize package consisting of:
  • $5,000 worth of Sony Digital Imaging products,
  • A Sony Digital Imaging product loan, up to the value of $5,000, subject to acceptance of the terms set out in clause 13
  • a $5,000 grant, subject to acceptance of the terms set out in clause 14
• Up to 3 people from the production team will receive the opportunity to work with the Sony Music team (and be credited on) visual content for a Sony Music emerging artist, relevant to your skills set and subject to acceptance of the terms set out in clause 15.

Music Video Runner-Up

• VIP tickets for the Catchlight Film Festival award ceremony in Sydney for up to 5 people from the production crew.

Student Fiction Winner

• VIP tickets for the Catchlight Film Festival award ceremony in Sydney for up to 5 people from the production crew.
• A film-maker’s prize package consisting of:
  • $5,000 worth of Sony Digital Imaging products,
  • A Sony Digital Imaging product loan, up to the value of $5,000, subject to acceptance of the terms set out in clause 12
  • a $5,000 grant, subject to acceptance of the terms set out in clause 13
• Up to 3 people from the production team will receive a Professional Development Session with a panel of industry professionals.

Student Fiction Runner Up

• VIP tickets for the Catchlight Film Festival award ceremony in Sydney for up to 5 people from the production crew

Best Sony Lens Work Laurel, as follows:

• The Best Sony Lens Work Laurel winner across all submissions receives $2,500 worth of Sony lens gear from the Promoter.