We’re thrilled to announce a new short film award in collaboration with Sofia Coppola to recognize an emerging filmmaker that projects a unique artistic perspective.
Sofia Coppola is one of the most influential filmmakers of her generation. From The Virgin Suicides to Priscilla, her distinctive style has been celebrated for creating dreamlike atmospheres, intentional pacing, and precision with mood and setting that continues to influence cinema.
This award draws from that legacy: like Sofia’s unique voice, we’re aiming to identify and celebrate a filmmaker with a distinct creative point of view, confident visual sensibility, and an instinct for storytelling that feels personal and unmistakably their own.
Award Package:
- $20,000 to produce a short film
- Mentoring support
- P&A support (budget to be determined by DCP)
- Distribution of completed film on DCP+
Submission Requirements:
- Submission Fee: See Minimum Entry Fee on Awards detail page (Includes Moderation Fee + Peer review fee)
- A compelling short video sample that reflects the filmmaker’s unique perspective and storytelling style—whether a previously produced scene, visual excerpt, or proof of concept. Anything that showcases your production abilities.
- Project Description/Lookbook
- One page document describing film the applicant wishes to produce with the award funding (synopsis, visual references)
Selection Process:
- Community will shortlist finalists using DCP’s transparent voting platform evaluating unique voice, visual quality, and originality
- Final recipient will be selected by Sofia and the DCP Board
IMPORTANT: All films must reasonably be produced for the allocated $20K budget.
Dates:
- Submission Start: April 30, 2026
- Submission End: June 30, 2026 (Minimum of 100 submissions required. Submission end date will be extended if minimum submissions not met)
- Community Review End: 14 days after Submission End
- Final Recipients Announced (target): 14 days after Community Review has ended
- Finished Film (target): TBD
Optional but encouraged: Submit a pitch video in either voiceover or selfie style that may include:
- Who you are as a filmmaker
- What inspired you to submit your project to this award?
- Who are your influences as a filmmaker?
By entering, each entrant warrants and represents the following with respect to their Submission: (a) entrant is the sole and exclusive owner of the Submission; (b) the Submission will not infringe on any rights (including, without limitation any intellectual property rights) of any third parties; (c) any third parties appearing in the Submission have given entrant appropriate consent and used as permitted herein; and (d) all information the entrant provided herein is true and accurate.
Rules subject to change at any time without warning at DCP’s sole discretion.
