Los Angeles, CA – Creo, an organization focused on supporting emerging filmmakers, has announced the jury for the 2024 Sony Future Filmmaker Awards. Award-winning director Justin Chadwick will serve as the chair for the second consecutive year. Chadwick will be joined by Michael Barker and Tom Bernard, co-founders and co-presidents of Sony Pictures Classics. Also part of the jury are renowned cinematographers Rob Hardy, Kate Reid, and Robert Primes, as well as Australian filmmaker Unjoo Moon.
Chadwick expressed his excitement about leading the prestigious panel of creatives and highlighted the importance of short films in the industry. Last year, the awards brought attention to 30 talented filmmakers worldwide, providing them with valuable opportunities. Chadwick looks forward to discovering more talented individuals through this year’s selection process.
The adjudication process will be conducted in two stages. Primes and Moon will choose 30 films for the shortlist, which will be announced on April 23. The subsequent stage will involve Barker, Bernard, Hardy, and Reid determining the category winners. These awards will honor excellence and originality in storytelling. The winners will be announced on May 30, following a four-day workshop for the shortlisted filmmakers in late May.
In other film news, the Criterion Collection has revealed its lineup of June releases, featuring digitally enhanced classic films presented in 4K ultra-high definition. Among the notable releases is Terry Gilliam’s “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” Lana and Lilly Wachowski’s “Bound,” and Rainer Werner Fassbinder’s “Querelle.” Each film will include special editions and behind-the-scenes features.
Additionally, the Location Managers Guild International (LMGI) has announced the timeline for their upcoming awards. The LMGI Awards, scheduled for August 24, will recognize outstanding filming locations that contribute to the storytelling narrative. Eligible productions must have been released between June 2023 and June 2024, with a majority of the production shot on location. Nominations will be announced on July 1, and winners will be revealed during the LMGI Awards ceremony.
Hollywood will host the inaugural SignLight International Film Festival from April 16-20. Organized by actor-director-producer CJ Jones, the festival celebrates Deaf filmmakers and creatives from around the world. The event will showcase films such as “Silent Rhythm” and “Not Another Deaf Story,” aiming to promote authentic representation and collaboration.
Lastly, the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network and filmmaker Ian Shive have announced the upcoming IMAX documentary, “Wild Rescue: A Second Chance at a Wild Life.” The film will showcase the Santa Barbara region’s wildlife rehabilitation efforts and the dedication of veterinarians, volunteers, and community members. Expected to release in spring 2025, the documentary will captivate audiences with stunning visuals of the region’s diverse ecosystems.
For more information on these stories and events, visit the respective websites.