The 6th Big Syn International Film Festival, the world’s largest sustainability-focused film festival, is currently screening films until 26 October 2024. This year’s event was launched with a spectacular trailer debut at London’s iconic Piccadilly Lights, the largest screen in Europe. The festival is set to reach over 45 million viewers across 120 countries, with a prestigious Grand Jury composed of OSCAR, BAFTA, and EMMY winners, as well as sustainability experts and global leaders from the United Nations and the House of Lords.
Festivalgoers can enjoy FREE screenings of films on the festival’s website, www.bigsyn.org, and have the chance to win two tickets to the gala awards ceremony. This year’s festival lineup features a diverse selection of nearly 150 films, including feature films, documentaries, shorts, animations, and charity films submitted from over 120 countries. Among the festival’s standout entries is “EmpowerHER: Rights, Protection and Hope”, a short film by the UK charity Our Sansar. This powerful film highlights the lives of girls who have survived gender-based violence in Nepal, a region where 1 in 3 women experience violence and half of all girls marry before reaching adulthood.
Julia Krepska, Founder of Our Sansar, expressed her excitement about being a finalist: “We are deeply honoured to be among the finalists. It’s crucial to shine a light on the struggles faced by girls worldwide. We hope this film will resonate with viewers around the globe.”
In addition to EmpowerHER, the festival features films that tackle a wide range of pressing sustainability issues, such as climate change, plastic pollution, conservation, mental health, and gender equality. These films are designed not only to entertain but also to raise awareness about the most urgent challenges our world faces today. From human stories of struggle and resilience to innovative solutions for environmental conservation, this year’s selections offer an inspiring look at the possibilities for change.
Promoted by national and international organisations, including key UN agencies like the World Meteorological Agency and International Maritime Organization, the festival has strong backing from notable art and culture bodies, including the British Council and Directors UK.
Justine Simons OBE, London’s Deputy Mayor for Culture and Creative Industries, praised the festival for using film to drive awareness: “Film is a brilliant medium to both entertain and educate. The Big Syn Film Fest is showcasing free screenings that bring vital sustainability issues to the forefront and inspire audiences to take urgent action. From features to animations, these films remind us of our role in caring for the planet while building a better future.”
The Big Syn International Film Festival invites audiences to engage with thought-provoking films that explore crucial global issues. With over 300 charities participating and more than 50 charity films in this year’s screening, the festival amplifies messages of hope and change to millions of viewers worldwide.
The winners of the festival will be announced on 8 November at a red-carpet gala awards ceremony at Curzon Soho. The winning films will also be displayed on Europe’s biggest screen, Piccadilly Lights, on 14 November 2024.
