Creators for the Planet, is a global year-round engagement programme set up by Sony Pictures and the United Nations Foundation, developed in collaboration with Creo. Creators for the Planet aims to mobilise and inspire people to Act Now through photography and film. Part of Creators for the Planet, the Sustainability Prize programme invites photographers and filmmakers passionate about communicating key themes linked to the Sustainable Development Goals.
From depictions of communities coming together to combat local issues to pioneering technologies, the submissions are to address these themes related to the Sustainable Development Goals. Set up to amplify the smaller stories exploring these social and environmental issues, the initiative spotlights one series from the Sony World Photography Awards Professional competition and one short film from the Sony Future Filmmaker Awards.
Sustainability Prize, Sony World Photography Awards
Now in its 18th year, the Sony World Photography Awards champion photographers worldwide telling the stories of our time through this diverse medium that encompasses a variety of genres, from portraiture to still life.
The Sustainability Prize, first introduced in 2022, is a key initiative within the awards and provides a platform for promoting a positive future through creative storytelling via the medium of photography. The winner receives a $5,000 cash prize, Sony digital imaging equipment and promotion on the World Photography Organisation channels and websites. The work of the winner will get the chance to be honored at a showcase hosted by the United Nations Foundation and Sony Pictures. Find out more about the Sony World Photography Awards.
Kasia Strek, a Polish documentary photographer and journalist based in France, won in 2025 for Repairing the Earth, a photography series highlighting positive actions reversing climate change - from bison reintroduced to native habitats after a century's absence to NGOs successfully restoring vital mangrove forests. Strek’s work focuses on the intersections of gender, social inequalities, and the impact of climate change on the environment, highlighting underrepresented topics of social importance. She has received numerous recognitions, including the Pulitzer Grant for Crisis Reporting, the IWMF Courage in Journalism Award, and Visa Pour l'Image Camille Lepage Award. View full series.
Learn more about the Sony World Photography Awards Sustainability Prize.
Sustainability Prize, Sony Future Filmmaker Awards
The Sustainability Prize in the Sony Future Filmmaker Awards, now in its 3rd year, champions short films communicating a positive future for the planet. The winner will receive $5,000, Sony digital imaging equipment and promotion across the Sony Future Filmmaker Awards channels and websites. The work of the winner will also get the chance to be honored at a showcase hosted by the United Nations Foundation and Sony Pictures.
Kirsten Slemint (Australia) won in 2025 for Burnt Country. Exploring the profound knowledge and wisdom of First Nations, this film is an invitation to connect to country and community. Slemint is a scientist, journalist and filmmaker, with a keen and curious eye for storytelling. She is a shooting PD, writer, researcher, and impact producer. Her work tends to explore the intersections between people and nature, and is driven by her specific interest in social impact.
Learn more about the Sony Future Filmmaker Awards' Sustainability Prize
