Angel in the Stone, a Nigerian student short film, has been officially shortlisted for the 2025 Sony Future Filmmaker Awards in the Student category. Directed by Doyinsola Ajayi, produced by Faith Olaewe, and written by Joseph Onyeanu Oluwaseun, the film is one of only 30 shorts from over 11,750 entries submitted by 7,500 filmmakers across 158 countries and territories.
Produced during the team’s time at the EbonyLife Creative Academy in 2023 as the 11th intake of students, the 11-minute short film tells the story of Shalewa (Ebunoluwa Oluwarinu), a reclusive autistic teenager in a rural Nigerian village, who finds solace and expression in building things from scrap metal. When a fish shortage in her village threatens her family’s survival, she takes it upon herself to use her skills in a bid to help.
The inclusion of Angel in the Stone in the shortlist secures the team a place in a four-day workshop program at the historic Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, Los Angeles. The program is designed to nurture emerging voices in film, offering participants behind-the-scenes access to industry leaders, collaborative opportunities, and tailored mentorship from top Sony Pictures executives.
Nigeria continues to make its mark on the Sony Future Filmmaker Awards, with last year’s Non-Fiction category winner, Irun Didi by Olawunmi Hassan and Adaobi Samson, also hailing from here.
The 2025 winners in the Fiction, Non-Fiction, Animation, and Student categories will be announced on June 5 at Sony Pictures Studios. The Student category winner and their institution will each receive Sony Digital Imaging equipment, while winners in the other categories will take home both equipment and a $5,000 cash prize.
Become a patron: To support our in-depth and critical coverage—become a Patron today!
Join the conversation: Share your thoughts in the comments section or on our social media accounts.
Track Upcoming Films: Keep track of upcoming films and TV shows on your Google calendar.
