Big Syn International Film Festival announces 2025 Grand Jury of global luminaries
Category: Press release | Date: July 14, 2025 | By: Big Syn Institute, London. UK.
London, UK — Big Syn International Film Festival, the world’s biggest sustainability film festival, proudly announces its 2025 Grand Jury: a distinguished panel of changemakers, creatives, and thought leaders whose work spans continents and causes. This year’s jury reflects the festival’s mission to spotlight stories that inspire action and challenge the status quo.
- Baroness Lola Young, Chancellor of the University of Nottingham and former Man Booker Prize Chair, brings decades of cultural and political insight. Her memoir ‘8 Weeks: Looking Back, Moving Forwards, Defying the Odds’ chronicles a life of defying odds—from foster care to the House of Lords.
- George Webster, BAFTA-winning presenter, actor, and author, joins the jury with his infectious positivity and advocacy for inclusion. As the first BBC presenter with Down Syndrome, George’s achievements—from books to dance floors—continue to inspire millions.
- Prof. Mark Maslin, ranked the No.1 Global Sustainability Thought Leader by Onalytica, brings scientific rigor and public engagement to the jury. With over 220 publications and 10 books, his work on climate change has shaped global discourse.
- Xoliswa Sithole, two-time BAFTA and Peabody-winning filmmaker, is renowned for her powerful documentaries on HIV/AIDS, poverty, and climate justice. Her latest projects continue Mandela’s legacy and amplify voices often left unheard.
- Joseph C. Stillman, Emmy-winning filmmaker, has spent over four decades crafting compelling narratives on civil rights, PTSD, and global justice. His films resonate deeply with audiences across generations.
- Angela Patton, CEO of Girls For A Change and Executive Producer of the Peabody-winning documentary Daughters, brings fearless advocacy for Black girls and systemic equity. Her work has sparked national conversations and won hearts at Sundance and beyond.
- Prof. Ioannis Ioannou, Associate Professor at London Business School, is a leading expert in sustainability leadership and ESG strategy. His research and advisory work have influenced boardrooms and policy worldwide.
- Alexandra Genova, BAFTA-winning filmmaker and journalist, is known for her character-driven documentaries on land, identity, and justice. Her work has appeared on BBC, Sky, ITV, and TIME.com, earning accolades for its emotional depth and impact.
- Prof. Lindiwe Dovey, Professor of Film and Screen Studies at SOAS, is a pioneer in decolonising cinema. Her project “African Screen Worlds” and recent documentaries spotlight African women filmmakers as mentors and leaders.
The 2025 Big Syn International Film Festival will run from 17–26 October in London and online, culminating in a red carpet gala and awards ceremony in November 2025. Winning films will be showcased on Europe’s biggest screen—London’s iconic Piccadilly Lights.
About the Festival:
The Big Syn International Film Festival is the world’s biggest sustainability film festival and a United Nations SDGs initiative. Organised by the Big Syn Institute, part of the Centre for Big Synergy (a CSO of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs), the festival celebrates purpose-driven films that inspire action on the 17 UN Global Goals. Since its inception, it has reached over 50 million viewers across 120+ countries, spotlighting stories that drive change in climate action, equity, education, and more.
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