Sony Announces 2025 Catchlight Film Festival Winners

Sony has revealed the winners of the fifth annual Catchlight Film Festival, celebrating filmmakers from Australia and New Zealand who chose to tell their stories using Sony cameras.

The awards were announced during Sony’s second SceneScape expo, held at Sydney’s White Bay Power Station, with prizes recognising fiction, non-fiction, music video, student work and social impact filmmaking.

Category Winners

Fiction Winner

What’s Up, Neighbour?
Shot on: FX3

Non-Fiction Winner

While We Still Have Time
Shot on: FX6

Music Video Winner

Frankie October – Hazy
Shot on: FX3

Student Fiction Winner

Longing for a Goodbye
Shot on: FX6

Cinematic Social Winner

Nothing Lasts Forever
Shot on: Alpha 7 IV

Recognising Regional Storytelling

Sony said the festival was created to highlight creativity across the trans-Tasman region. “The Catchlight Film Festival provides a platform for emerging and established filmmakers alike to showcase their vision using Sony technology,” the company said in a statement.

This year’s winners included a mix of independent voices, students and professional crews, reflecting the breadth of work produced across the two countries.

Special Laurels

Several projects also received awards for cinematography, with industry partners sponsoring the categories:

• Best Cinematography in Fiction: Metamorphosis (supported by Lemac Australia)
  
  
• Best Cinematography in Non-Fiction: Born to Hustle (supported by VA Digital Hire)
  
  
• Best Cinematography in Music Video: Valle – Hold Me (supported by Videocraft Australia)
  
  
• Best Cinematography in Student Fiction: Longing for a Goodbye (supported by Atomos)
  
  
• Best Cinematography in Cinematic Social: Nothing Lasts Forever (supported by Camera Hire)
  
  
• Best Sony Lens Work: What’s Up, Neighbour?

Looking To The Future

Festival organisers said the event continues to grow as more filmmakers adopt Sony’s camera systems for both professional and personal projects.

“Each year we see an incredible range of stories and technical approaches,” said a Sony Australia spokesperson. “This year’s winners demonstrate the depth of storytelling talent across Australia and New Zealand.”

The Catchlight Film Festival will return in 2026.

About Sony’s Camera Range

Sony’s mirrorless lineup in Australia includes nine full-frame and four APS-C cameras, supported by more than 70 native E-mount lenses. The company positions the Alpha system as offering creators a wide range of options for both stills and video production.

Last Updated on September 25, 2025 by Nick Ross