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Sony Future Filmmaker Awards Announce Shortlist for 2025 Edition

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(Dubai United Arab Emirates, 4th May 2025) – The Sony Future Filmmaker Awards announce today the shortlist for the 2025 edition. Selected for their outstanding originality, the 30 shortlisted filmmakers across four categories – Fiction, Non-Fiction, Animation, and Student – are awarded the unique opportunity to attend a four-day immersive program behind-the-scenes at the Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City from June 2 – 5, 2025, and culminating in the Awards ceremony on June 5, 2025 where the four category winners are revealed.

Now in their third year, the Awards were established by Creo in partnership with Sony to nurture the filmmaking talent of tomorrow and to provide a portal into the industry for filmmakers from across the globe. Each year the shortlisted filmmakers are flown to Los Angeles for an extensive program of workshops, screenings and events, fostering talent through opportunities to expand filmmakers’ networks and giving them direct experiences right in the heart of Hollywood.

The 2025 shortlist was chosen from over 11,750 films submitted by more than 7,500 filmmakers across 158 countries and territories. The shortlist features a truly global panorama of filmmaking; with entries from Australia, Burundi, Chile, Colombia, Germany, India, Indonesia, Lebanon, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, the United Kingdom and the United States. The selected works span a diverse array of stories, including a tense drama about an inmate firefighter battling parole denial amidst a historic blaze, a poignant tale of Chilean shellfish divers searching for answers about a missing relative under Pinochet’s regime, an animated fable of a piglet and a wolf forging an unlikely friendship, an elderly fieldworker outshining her AI substitute, and a stirring exploration of Australia’s First Nations using fire to renew the land.

The 30 shortlisted filmmakers proceed to the next stage of judging from which the four category winners will be chosen by a panel of industry leaders which includes 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 theater, television and film director and Chair of the Jury Justin Chadwick (Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, The Other Boleyn Girl, Shardlake).

Justin Chadwick, Chair of the Jury, says: “These 30 filmmakers don’t only tell stories—they create whole new cinematic worlds. From tales of defiance in the face of adversity, to stories of hope for our planet, the films that make up this year’s shortlist have the power to transport their audiences. Chairing this jury for the third year, I am once again deeply impressed and encouraged as we look to the future of filmmaking through the eyes of these brilliant talents.”

Taking centre stage at the Sony Pictures Studios’ historic Scenic Arts Building, the Awards ceremony on June 5 is hosted by Emmy-award winner Denny Directo (Entertainment Tonight), unveiling the four category winners who are awarded with cash prizes and Sony Digital Imaging equipment. The ceremony follows an extensive four-day program for the shortlisted 30 filmmakers at the iconic Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, offering an exclusive opportunity to learn from and connect with both their peers and industry leaders. Peeling back the curtain on Hollywood’s inner workings, through sessions led by Sony Pictures executives the filmmakers dive into everything from cinematography masterclasses, to navigating talent deals, demonstrations of cutting-edge tech, and learning about the art of soundtracking a story.

The films and filmmakers shortlisted for the Sony Future Filmmaker Awards 2025 are:

FICTION
The Fiction category rewards narrative-led submissions that convey an original fictional story or event.

● Miguel Angel Caballero & Luis Antonio Aldana (USA), The Ballad of Tita and the Machines – In an AI-driven future, an elderly fieldworker is forced to contend with her robot substitute, but when it fails to compete with her she draws the attention of its creators.
● Ethan Evans & Jess Bartlett (UK), Outside Noise – A woman’s sleep app blurs reality and conjures a terrifying presence in her room.
● Alexis Gómez (México), Bumbumpapá – A father fights to preserve his daughter’s innocence amid the darkness and uncertainty of war.
● Meng Han Hsieh (Taiwan) & Menna Morgan (UK), The Test – A woman taking her UK citizenship tests faces hostility and micro-aggressions, escaping into her imagination to express herself.
● Irene Lopez & Robin Asselmeyer (Sweden), Killing R – In an AI-integrated future a mother fantasizes about destroying her household clone.
● Linda Ludwig (Germany) & James Curle (UK), Under the Blue – A worn out police officer on a late shift is brought in to investigate a petty crime, finding more than meets the eye.
● Andrew McGee (UK), First Sight – Luna is finally ready to re-enter the world of dating, but her reliance on her smart contact lenses takes a dark turn.
● 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.
● Florine & Kim Nüesch (Switzerland), Marriage Unplugged – A couple’s sex robot experiment exposes hidden fractures in their marriage.
● Robin Takao D’Oench (USA), Fireline – An inmate firefighter who has been denied parole battles a wildfire while yearning to return home.

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.

● César Flores Correa (México), A Field That No Longer Smells of Flowers – In the municipality of Villa Guerrero in Mexico flower growers and their families grapple with the impact of the toxic chemicals used to cultivate the flowers.
● Will Hewitt & Austen McCowan (UK), Have You Seen The Beast? – The filmmakers probe a mysterious big cat sighting in Wales through a series of eerie local testimonies.
● Kieran Hodges (New Zealand) & Eduardo Vento (Portugal), Justice Brothers – Young surfers in Ghana help to empower local women through a surf school.
● Juliet Klottrup (UK), Travelling Home – An English Romany Traveller reflects on his heritage and the annual pilgrimage to Appleby Fair.
● Annabel Moodie (UK), Friends on the Outside – An incarcerated man finds solace in foraging and connecting to nature.
● Loic Niyonkuru & Floriane Kaneza (Burundi), Before 16 – A woman recounts her experiences raising her child after a traumatic assault at age 16.
● Stefan Pollak (UK), ALT Jay – A disabled man’s passion for CrossFit helps break barriers and create community with support from his identical twin.
● Kirsten Slemint (Australia), Burnt Country – First Nations wisdom, 65,000 years in the making, uses fire to fight fire and offers lessons for Australia’s ecological future.
● Riah Taipodia (India), Khiew Ranei (Black Clay) – A 9-year-old inherits her village’s pottery tradition, passed down through generations and carefully preserved.
● Shaquille Zaki Nathandra & Quina Qaumitaquna Mirxela (Indonesia), Tanah Kitai (Our Land) – Borneo’s Iban youth fight to preserve their land and identity against encroaching loss.

ANIMATION
The Animation category embraces filmmakers using stop-motion, motion graphics, computer animation, drawn-on-film, rotoscoping, experimental animation, and additional available techniques.

● Rich Farris (UK), From The Top – Robin grapples with letting go of her drum kit and her passion.
● Case Jernigan (USA), Noggin – Through a deeply personal narrative, the filmmaker builds ‘a memory palace of love and ink’ exploring life with multiple sclerosis.
● 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.
● Fadi Syriani & Jana Wehbe (Lebanon), The Day Vladimir Died – In Beirut, the day-to-day life of an elderly man is punctuated by grief and mourning both for lost friends and for a city undergoing rapid change.
● Leo Wright (UK), The Big Bad Wolf – Set in an industrial pig society, a wolf and a pig form an unlikely friendship, defying prejudices and the cautionary words of the age-old parable.

STUDENT
The Student category rewards filmmakers studying a film course at a registered institution at a diploma or degree level worldwide.

● Luis J. Arellano (México), Centro de Capacitación Cinematográfica. Long Journey Till Dawn – After the death of her young daughter, a grieving mother kidnaps a baby, confronting the darkness within herself.
● Muhammed Ashfaque (India), K R Narayanan National Institute of Visual Science and Arts, URA – In Bethlehem, the unexpected arrival of Maria, a pregnant nun, into an isolated convent run by a community of elderly nuns sets off a chain of events.
● Gianfranco Fernández-Ruiz & Gus Murray (USA), American Film Institute, When Big People Lie – Eight-year-old Elvis witnesses a dramatic family shift when his mother arranges a green card marriage.
● 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.
● Faith Olaewe & Doyinsola Ajayi (Nigeria), EbonyLife Creative Academy, Angel in the Stone – Shalewa, a reclusive autistic teenager, uses her metalworking skills to save her family from ruin.

FUTURE FORMAT
Also announced today is the winner and shortlist from this year’s Future Format competition, which champions a new generation of aspiring filmmakers by welcoming short films shot exclusively on a smartphone.

The winner of this year’s Future Format competition is Bijan Gashti (Islamic Republic of Iran) for Select/Or, exploring the tension between control and free will when individuals are left with a single instruction. As part of his prize, Gashti receives Sony Digital Imaging equipment and is invited to join the four-day immersive program at the Sony Pictures Studios in June. The shortlisted filmmakers for the Future Format competition are Joni Astin Ariadi (Indonesia) with Sleeping Monster, and Siwei Yu (China Mainland) with Love is the End.

The four category winners of the Sony Future Filmmaker Awards 2025 will be announced on 5 June 2025. For more information about upcoming announcements and to learn more about the shortlisted filmmakers, please visit sonyfuturefilmmakerawards.com.

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Al-Safa Group Opens the Newest VERO MODA Store in Saudi Arabia

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Al-Safa Group has announced the official opening of a new VERO MODA boutique in Riyadh.
Located in Cenomi Al Nakheel Mall, the store marks an important milestone for VERO MODA, offering customers an immersive shopping experience that reflects the Danish brand’s philosophy: delivering high-quality fashion at accessible prices, with modern, comfortable designs that celebrate women’s confidence and elegance. With the new store, VERO MODA now spans three locations across the Kingdom: two in Riyadh at Al Nakheel Mall and Al Qasr Mall and one in Jeddah at The Village Mall.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on Wednesday, 21 May, and was attended by Mr. Amro Al Swayeh, Board Member and Chief Executive Officer – Retail Division, Al-Safa Group and Mr. Anshuman Anand, Chief Executive Officer, Al-Safa Brands, as well as distinguished guests, media representatives, and social media influencers.
“We are thrilled to open this new branch in Cenomi Al Nakheel Mall, a vibrant market with a customer base that values contemporary style and quality,” said Mr. Al-Swaih. “The store allows us to move even closer to our customers and deliver a unique, enjoyable shopping experience. This opening is more than just a new location; it is a celebration of the confident, modern woman. We look forward to welcoming everyone and showcasing our latest collections, which reflect global fashion trends while staying true to VERO MODA’s distinctive style.”
Mr. AlSwayeh reaffirmed Al-Safa Group’s commitment to delivering exceptional value through its portfolio of exclusive brands. “Our labels embody our dedication to quality and excellence, thoughtfully designed to meet the diverse needs of our valued customers. Innovation drives our growth, and we continually introduce products that align with the latest trends and the highest standards,” he added.
Founded in 1987, VERO MODA quickly became one of Europe’s leading women’s fashion brands, renowned for its wide range of on-trend apparel, spanning relaxed casualwear to standout dresses and evening pieces, along with accessories and footwear that complete the look.
The new store features VERO MODA’s latest collections of elegant, high-quality garments curated to suit every taste. With carefully selected assortments and personalised service, customers can expect an inspiring, effortless shopping experience.

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Makarem Honors Its Partners in Success from Leading Travel Agencies To Strengthen Its Leadership in Spiritual Hospitality

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Makarem Hotels, a leading Saudi brand specializing in spiritual hospitality, celebrated its valued travel and tourism partners in a distinguished gathering held at Makarem Ajyad Hotel in Makkah for their role in supporting Makarem’s continued leadership and excellence. The event brought together more than 100 guests, including senior representatives from the Kingdom’s most prominent travel agencies.

The recognition underscored the significant role of travel and tourism partners in helping Makarem deliver a seamless and spiritually enriching experience of visiting the Holy Cities, reinforcing Makarem’s position as a premier provider of spiritual hospitality services in Makkah and Madinah.

Amr Al Sunari, Regional General Manager for Makarem Makkah & Dur Hospitality for Hajj at Taiba Investments, commented: “At Makarem, we firmly believe that our partners are integral to our journey of success. This gathering reflects our deep appreciation for their collaboration and marks a key step in strengthening our partnerships as we present our renewed vision for the future of spiritual hospitality”.

The guests included several of Makarem’s most prominent partners from leading local travel agencies, reflecting the strong collaborative partnerships built on mutual trust and shared success.

Opened with a warm welcome reception, Makarem embodied the values of generosity and graciousness. Guests were then treated to an exclusive screening of the brand’s new identity film, “A Journey to the Origins.” The film showcased a refreshed visual identity and future-forward vision that blend authenticity with innovation while staying true to Makarem’s spiritual hospitality roots.

A key highlight of the recognition party was a premium lunch at Zamzam Restaurant, one of Makarem Ajyad’s culinary landmarks, where a curated selection of oriental and international dishes highlighted the brand’s commitment to exceptional hospitality and service standards.

The gathering concluded in an engaging atmosphere that fostered idea exchange and strengthened relationships, a reflection of Makarem’s ongoing commitment to building sustainable strategic partnerships founded on trust and mutual respect. It also underscores the brand’s continuous advancement in the spiritual hospitality by delivering exceptional guest experiences that meet the needs of pilgrims, while aligning with Vision 2030’s goal of positioning the Kingdom as a global tourism destination and enhancing the quality of services provided.

Makarem is one of the hospitality brands under Taiba Investments. Taiba manages currently over 7,700 hotel rooms across the Kingdom and is actively pursuing strategic partnerships with leading global brands. This effort aims to enhance Saudi Arabia’s capacity to attract visitors from around the world and solidify its position as one of the world’s premier tourism destinations.

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Saudi Tourism Launches Summer 2025 Program: ‘Colour Your Summer’

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His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Board of the Saudi Tourism Authority, launched the “Saudi Summer” program under the theme “Colour Your Summer” at a workshop event organized by the Saudi Tourism Authority. The event brought together over 120 partners from across the Saudi tourism ecosystem, including representatives from the public and private sectors. The workshop enhanced collaboration across the Saudi tourism ecosystem for the upcoming summer season, unifying efforts to achieve the program’s goals and maximizing its economic and tourism impact.
The Saudi Summer program runs from May to September 2025 and offers six distinct destinations from the moderate-climate coastal escapes of Jeddah and the Red Sea to the cool, scenic highlands of Taif, Al-Baha, and Aseer. Key event highlights include the Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh from July to August, and the dynamic Jeddah and Aseer Seasons, packed with diverse activities and promotions.
His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Board of the Saudi Tourism Authority, said: “Bringing together our partners each year through this workshop is a testament to our shared commitment to shaping the future of the Saudi tourism industry. This year, we are encouraged to see the private sector contributing over SAR 300 million in preparation for what promises to be an incredible 2025 summer season. With its rich culture and breathtaking diversity, Saudi’s destinations continue to inspire travelers from around the world while fueling a dynamic domestic tourism scene.”
He added: “The summer season is more than just a busy period; it is a chance for the tourism sector to reach new heights and deliver extraordinary results. It is an opportunity to embrace innovation, seize growth, and make a lasting impact. This year, we are aiming to welcome over 41 million visitors from 18 countries, as well as to achieve SAR 73 billion in overall tourism spending. These numbers reflect Saudi’s growing reputation as a world-class destination, offering unforgettable experiences all year long.”
Detailing the scale and collaborative efforts behind the Saudi Summer 2025 program, Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority, said: “Saudi is transforming the way the world views summer travel. In partnership with over 120 stakeholders, this summer will unveil more than 600 unique tourism products and experiences and over 250 special offers. From the pristine islands of Shebara and Umhat along the Saudi Red Sea, iconic new luxury resorts like St. Regis and Desert Rock, and five stunning new beaches in Jeddah, alongside the refreshing mountain retreats of Aseer, Taif, and Al-Baha with their unique charm and diverse activities – Saudi is transforming every visit into a vibrant highlight reel of summer.
“To ensure seamless travel, we are enhancing air connectivity with over one million additional airline seats to key summer destinations. And with the much-anticipated return of Aseer Season in an exciting new format, this summer promises to be unlike any other, a celebration of Saudi’s natural beauty, cultural richness, cool climate, and boundless ambition.”

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