The Nikon Short Film Award, established in 2022, aims to inspire filmmakers across Europe to channel their creativity and imagination into producing a short film of no more than 60 seconds. Last year’s award attracted over 200 submissions, with Noah Ragert winning for his short film The Final Countdown.
The jury for the 2025 edition of the award has now been confirmed. Returning as jury president is internationally renowned director Daniél Espinosa, whose television series The Helicopter Heist premiered at the 2024 Stockholm International Film Festival. Joining Espinosa on the panel are two of Sweden’s most acclaimed actors: Nanna Blondell, known for House of the Dragon and Black Widow, and Sofia Kappel, acclaimed for her performance in Pleasure.
“It is both an honour and a great pleasure to once again lead the jury for the Nikon Short Film Award. We are truly excited to review this year’s submissions and see how Europe’s filmmakers take on the challenge of telling a complete story in just 60 seconds,” said Espinosa.
The winning film will be screened at the Stockholm International Film Festival. In addition to receiving an exclusive Nikon camera and a lens of their choice, the winner will be awarded a handcrafted glass sculpture created by glass artist Erika Kristofersson Bredberg in collaboration with Designtorget.
Julian Harvie, Marketing Director at Nikon Northern Europe, commented on the award’s growing significance: “Now in its fourth year, the Nikon Short Film Award has grown from fledgling prize to significant prestige in the filmmaking industry. It is an honour, year after year, to play a small part in the future of these young filmmakers’ careers, and to do that as part of our broader partnership with the Stockholm International Film Festival. It is a testament to Nikon and the Stockholm International Film Festival team absolutely being ‘better together’.”
The theme for this year’s competition is Better Together. Filmmakers are encouraged to explore ideas of connection, collaboration, and human relationships, as opposed to isolation, conflict, or loneliness. Entrants are invited to reflect on how people become stronger together and what moments, big or small, demonstrate the benefits of unity.
Submissions are open until 21 October and should be sent to [email protected].
