This past weekend, Sony announced the winners of the fifth annual Catchlight Film Festival, celebrating filmmakers from Australia and New Zealand who have chosen Sony cameras to bring their stories to life. The awards were revealed during Sony’s SceneScape expo at the historic White Bay Power Station in Sydney, marking another milestone in the festival’s growing influence.
The Catchlight Film Festival, known for its focus on innovation and storytelling, recognized outstanding talent across various categories. This year’s winners highlighted the diverse capabilities of Sony’s camera technology, from fiction and non-fiction to music videos and student projects.
Category Winners Shine at the Festival
The festival’s category winners showcased a range of storytelling techniques and creative visions. In the Fiction category, What’s Up, Neighbour? took the top prize, shot on the versatile FX3 camera. The Non-Fiction category was led by While We Still Have Time, utilizing the FX6 to capture its narrative.
The Music Video category celebrated Frankie October – Hazy, also shot on the FX3, while the Student Fiction award went to Longing for a Goodbye, filmed with the FX6. In the Cinematic Social category, Nothing Lasts Forever was recognized, shot on the Alpha 7 IV.
Special Laurels for Cinematography
In addition to the main categories, the festival honored exceptional cinematography with special laurels. Metamorphosis received the Best Cinematography in Fiction award, supported by Lemac Australia, while Born to Hustle was recognized in the Non-Fiction category, with support from VA Digital Hire.
The Music Video category saw Valle – Hold Me awarded for its cinematography, supported by Videocraft Australia. The Student Fiction award for cinematography went to Longing for a Goodbye, supported by Atomos, and the Cinematic Social award was given to Nothing Lasts Forever, with support from Camera Hire. Notably, What’s Up, Neighbour? also received the Best Sony Lens Work award, underscoring its technical excellence.
Sony’s Commitment to Creativity and Innovation
The announcement of the winners at the SceneScape expo underscores Sony’s ongoing commitment to fostering creativity and innovation in the film industry. The company’s mirrorless camera range, featuring nine Full-Frame and four APSC models, along with over 70 native E-mount lenses, provides filmmakers with an unmatched array of creative options.
According to industry experts, Sony’s focus on technological advancement has played a pivotal role in empowering filmmakers to push the boundaries of storytelling. The Catchlight Film Festival serves as a testament to the impact of this technology, bringing together a community of creators dedicated to exploring new artistic possibilities.
“Sony’s Catchlight Film Festival is more than just an awards ceremony; it’s a celebration of the stories that define us and the technology that makes them possible,” said a Sony spokesperson.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Catchlight Film Festival
As the 2025 festival concludes, anticipation builds for the next edition. The Catchlight Film Festival will return in 2026, promising to continue its tradition of recognizing and nurturing talent from Australia and New Zealand. Filmmakers and audiences alike eagerly await what the future holds for this vibrant showcase of cinematic artistry.
For more information about Sony’s mirrorless range and other products, visit their official website. The festival’s impact extends beyond the awards, inspiring a new generation of filmmakers to explore the power of creativity and technology in storytelling.
