Big Syn Institute and London’s Piccadilly Lights invited shorts (up to 5 min max) or 59 sec social media videos to be screened on Piccadilly Lights as part of the Big Syn International Film Festival. The finalists are receiving public votes on our Instagram and the Jury will select the winner/s amongst the most like films.
Winning films will be screened in full at the Piccadilly Lights in November this year.
These are stories or opinions of change, resilience and adaptability covering all major global or local issues such as climate change, poverty, cost of living crisis, war, injustice, discrimination, disability, mental health, and many more.
Donations help us keep entries free for UK’s marginalised filmmakers, charities and filmmakers from Ukraine.
It also helps us keep the screenings free of cost for millions of viewers from across the world.
Sightsavers
Magpie Dance
In 2024, the Magpie Dance team delivered 300 workshops to more than 1000 children with learning disabilities aged 3 – 19 years in SEN schools across London. Through multi-sensory, props-based workshops, children explored our work using the four elements: Earth, Air, Fire and Water, providing access to information about climate change. Our team of Magpie Ambassadors, supported the delivery teams and were strong role models to everyone involved in the project.
CW Plus
Best For You is an innovative approach to mental health care designed for – and in consultation with – young people and their families. As part of the programme, we make films to ensure young people have access to accurate information about mental health and how to get support.
Eating disorders are an urgent global issue: 70 million people internationally live with one, and anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness.
Our animation, ‘What are eating disorders?’ supports young people to identify emerging problems with eating or exercise in themselves or their loved ones and encourages them to seek help as soon as possible.
It was carefully developed with clinicians and people with lived experience to ensure it portrayed eating disorders in a safe, non-triggering, and non-imitable way, to protect young people who may be put at risk by content that demonstrates unhealthy behaviours. Crucially, it features abstract characters as part of the message is that anyone, of any age, gender, body shape or size, or background can develop an eating disorder.
Eating disorders affect not only the sufferer, but their families and peer groups too. Together, we must increase awareness of the signs of emerging eating problems while also tackling stigma and misinformation, to enable people to access support and treatment as soon as possible and make a full, long-term recovery.
Barbara Bargiel
A Mystery- Drama that explores a hostile relationship’ ( Short Films Matter, Review 2022) Film gives gleams to less spoken about emotional abuse and coercive control. It is relevant to anyone and everyone, no matter where they live, to be mindful when in argument or a break up. It is very easy to slip to metaphors, half-truths, half-sentences, which lead to power control. Wanting to have power over anyone is an issue and a form of abuse. It is our shared responsibility to treat each other with dignity and respect. Let’s not forget even during break ups, we all have human rights!
Generic is an all-female crew film including technical roles and post-production! It is F- Rated, (Directed by a woman). Of all women employed in major behind -the scenes roles in 250 highest- grossing U.S. Films there were: Sound Designers 5%, Cinematographers 6%, Directors 17%, Writers 17%, Editors 22%, Executive Producers 26 %, Producers 32% (Celluloid Ceiling Study from The Centre for Study of Women in Television & Film- San Diego State University, U.S., 2021). Let’s all try to improve these statistics by giving women opportunities in film no matter their age, disability, ethnic background, marital or socio-economic status!
Wes Viz
With ‘Digitally Rewilding the Westfjords’ I explore the concept of creating an immersive 3D environment to reimagine the landscape and decolonize the vegetation.
In July 2023, I arrived in Ísafjörður, Iceland to take part in an artist residency. Initially I wanted to make a ‘virtual land artwork’ in the
same vein as Robert Smithson, but had a realization during the drive there. There was an abundance of purple lupine flowers stretching alongside the roads. These flowers are famous in Iceland but when I reached Ísafjörður the locals explained they were not native; they had been brought to Iceland in 1945 in an attempt to prevent topsoil erosion. Over a century of cutting trees had taken its toll. The flowers’ rapid spread, coupled with global warming has become of extreme concern to Icelanders.
After returning home, the Maui wildfires broke out, a tragedy resulting in over 115 deaths. Global warming was the main culprit, but
scientists also attributed it to non-native grasses on the island. These highly flammable grasses were left to grow unchecked. This catastrophe struck me as a call to arms. Something could be done with immersive environments that could create awareness of what is happening to our environment.
‘Digitally Rewilding The Westfjords’ was created entirely by myself using Unreal Engine and real-world satellite data. No AI was used at any point in the creation of this film.
Robert Beutelspacher
Echoes of Nature highlights the fragile balance between human progress and the environment. It urges global action to protect our ecosystems and resources, reminding us that a sustainable future is a responsibility we all share.
Gerald Geier
“Remember the Future” tells a radically different story about our shared tomorrow. In 2073, an activist reflects on what inspired her to fight for a liveable future, the challenges she faced, and how humanity managed to save the Earth’s climate.
The climate emergency is the biggest challenge our species has ever faced, and affects every corner of our planet. While 75% of young people are frightened of the future because of this harsh truth, many find themselves trapped in a cycle of apathy.
The short film challenges the narrative of doom by offering a science-based yet optimistic outlook, showing that all the solutions we need already exist and what is possible when we dare to act. It is a story not of fear, but of hope—one that inspires us all to work together towards a sustainable future. Because our actions today will have an impact for centuries to come.
Gomolemo Nyakale
Our Give Them Hope film focuses on Emer, a victim of sexual exploitation who is under the control of her trafficker.
For the millions who celebrate Christmas, it is a time to share time and experiences with family and loved ones. While Emer’s story is fictional, it draws directly from real case studies of survivors we work with at Hope for Justice and others who are still trapped in their unique human trafficking situations. For them, this season can be especially difficult: alone, separated or estranged from their families, feeling like they have no options and no hope.
Our Christmas campaign, Give Them Hope, is highlighting ways of bringing hope to all victims of modern slavery and human trafficking. We ask you to Give Them Hope to be reunited with their families, the hope of finding a secure and stable life after exploitation or the hope of achieving justice.
Take action today. Go to https://hopeforjustice.org/give-them-hope/
Hope for Justice exists to bring an end to modern slavery by preventing exploitation, rescuing victims, restoring lives, and reforming society. Find out more about how we do this at http://www.hopeforjustice.org
Aidana (Aia) Kuanova
Tea for Two is a celebration of the human spirit, exploring the fluid nature of memory, identity, and reality. The film delves into how society, family, language, and culture shape who we are, reminding us that our pasts are not simply chapters left behind but threads that make complex layers of our identities.
At its heart, Tea for Two addresses the universal experience of alienation—both personal and collective. It reflects on the dissonance we often feel in navigating our relationships with others and ourselves, especially across cultural and societal boundaries. This exploration is made tangible through the simple, yet profound ritual of drinking tea. Tea becomes a metaphor for connection and separation—a practice that brings us together, yet sometimes emphasizes the spaces between us.
The issues raised in the film—identity, memory, and belonging—are relevant to all of us, no matter where we come from. The film’s message is deeply intertwined with mental health, as it invites audiences to reflect on how our memories and identities shape our inner worlds. In a time where many face the challenges of isolation, cultural displacement, and fractured identities, it is essential to recognise the importance of mental well-being. By addressing the complexities of our collective and personal memories, we can create space for healing, understanding, and connection.
Tea for Two is a gentle reminder that a safe, secure, and sustainable future begins with the recognition of our common humanity. It is also a moment to think that caring for our mental health is a shared responsibility. By fostering empathy and dialogue, we can build a future that supports not only a sense of belonging but also mental resilience for all.
Michael O’Kelly
At HostNation, we believe that every refugee deserves a friend. Our film tells heartwarming stories of lives being changed through simple acts of kindness and friendship.
We offer friendly UK locals an informal way to reach out to an isolated refugee or asylum seeker and introduce them to their city and their culture.
“It’s a way of helping a refugee but coming at it from a more joyous perspective,” says Chloe, one of our amazing befrienders who features with her refugee friend Shoaib. Their story shows that friendship has no borders.
People fleeing war and persecution have many practical needs, but they also just need a space to relax and be themselves. Sharing a coffee and a chat makes a newcomer feel more confident, connected and welcome. “It’s the best thing you can do for an asylum seeker,” as refugee Abdul says in the film.
Everyone benefits. Befrienders get a chance to give back, to learn about global cultures, and of course, to make new friends. “We’ve forged a great friendship,” says Abdul’s befriender Jordan. “I’m really grateful for that.”
Our communities are rewarded too. Through these powerful human connections, our cities of the future can become friendlier places, with more cross-cultural understanding, less loneliness and more joy.
Find out more: bit.ly/hostnation
UK registered charity no. 1180004
London Taxi Drivers Charity for Children
The content of the video focuses on the London Taxi Drivers Charity for Children, a charitable organisation established in 1928 by London taxi drivers. For almost a century, the charity has upheld a tradition of compassion by taking children with disabilities or less fortunate backgrounds to the seaside. The video showcases a blend of historical footage from the 1940s to contemporary times, illustrating the enduring commitment of London taxi drivers to bring joy and happiness to these children.
This film is relevant to everyone worldwide because it highlights the power of community support and empathy towards those in need. It emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and caring for vulnerable individuals in society. Addressing the issues highlighted in the video is a shared responsibility for all of us in creating a safe, secure, and sustainable future. By coming together to support initiatives like the London Taxi Drivers Charity for Children, we can foster a more compassionate and supportive global community, ensuring that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to experience moments of joy and happiness.
Shropshire Cat Rescue
Our film highlights the importance of the human animal bond and that as both humans and animals age that bond can intensify further and the animal can be a last link to a lost loved one, it is important to remember that bond goes both ways. Our Moggies Retirement Village came from a desire to give cats who have lifelong health conditions, a place that meets their individual needs. The majority are senior and super seniors but we do have some younger residents that due to their health have come into the village. The heart breaking reason the majority of the cats in our retirement village came into us, is due to their people going in to care homes, hospice care or passing away, we fully understand the bond and how the break in that affects both the cats and their people. We want everyone to recognise this and help develop a worldwide understanding that the human animal bond is essential for a sustainable future and that sadly rescue centres are full of animals who have lost their person and the reasons are varied and recognising the difficulty in saying good bye is essential.
Azuko
Housing is more than a roof and four walls; it is a human right. Everyone deserves a safe, clean, dignified place to call home. Yet more than 1.6 billion are living in housing poverty and it’s estimated that this will increase to 3 billion (over 40% of the world’s population) by 2030.
‘Building resilience’ highlights the housing crisis in Bangladesh, which is one of the most climate- vulnerable countries in the world. More than 90 million people live in hazardous locations and lack resilient, affordable and accessible housing.
Women are at the centre of our communities, yet too often they are not included in decision-making. But how can we design better homes, better streets, better infrastructure if women – the glue that holds communities together – are not involved? They must be active participants if we are to build inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable communities, for all.
‘Building resilience’ follows the work of architecture charity, AzuKo and partner, Nirapod Bangladesh Songstha, which work side-by-side with women to increase knowledge, skills and confidence in construction. The film offers a snapshot of what is possible when women, and their families, are empowered to build stronger, safer homes. They are self-reliant, not dependent on aid.
OSCAR Foundation
The OSCAR Foundation film captures the incredible journey of Ashok Rathod, a young man from a densely populated community (slum) in Mumbai, India. Raised in poverty, Ashok faced a challenging future but was saved by his parents’ insistence on education. While many of his peers fell into the traps of addiction, crime and early marriage, Ashok’s schooling gave him the hope and determination to create
a better future, not only for himself but for his entire community. Realising the power of education, Ashok set out to break the cycle of poverty for the next generation by using football as a powerful motivator. He founded the OSCAR Foundation with a simple yet effective principle, “No School, No Football.” From starting with just 14 children who had dropped out of school, Ashok has grown the organisation to reach over 24,000 children. OSCAR’s work shows how children, regardless of their socio-economic status, have the universal desire to learn, explore and have fun. The OSCAR Foundation has successfully bridged communities across continents, working with youth from diverse backgrounds in both the UK, USA and India. OSCAR’s international tours programmes showcase that young people, no matter where they come from, have the potential to achieve great things. Ashok’s story and his mission is a call to action for all of us to seize every opportunity, work hard and unite as global citizens to create a more equal and hopeful future for everyone.
We Are Donors
Created as an educational resource our animation aims to educate and raise awareness on the process and importance of organ donation. In the UK 7,500 people are currently waiting for a transplant with 3 people dying each day due to the lack of suitable organ donors. A single organ donor can save up to 8 lives. No one can predict if themselves or a loved one may one day be in need of a life saving organ transplant and it is a shared responsibility for all of us to create a system where this procedure is available to all that need it. Regardless of your age, race, background or health status we all have the power to save lives by becoming organ donors and we can all be connected by a decision to gift life to another. 2. Shorter version. Please see below 59 second version of our video via an unrestricted google drive link.
Rebs Fisher-Jackson
Think about how many films and TV shows exist with bloody and gory scenes of horror or action… but how many times can you remember seeing period blood on-screen? Menstrual blood is the only type of blood that isn’t ‘traumatically induced’, yet this natural bodily process has been stigmatised for generations.
This is exactly what we want to change with this film. Inspired by the work of local Tanzania health charity ‘Wajamama’ we wanted to make a film that really highlights how important accessible community education on menstrual health is – from learning how to use a pad to just discussing health issues with friends – and how this is also not just a ‘women’s problem’. To destigmatise menstruation around the world, people of all genders and all communities must be encouraged to learn and share information about it with each other.
Through our film’s lack of dialogue, we hope that it can resonate with communities around the world, and spark change to de-stigmatize menstruation through education and engagement. It is only through accessible education that change can be achieved.
This film is a labour of love through a crew united on one singular global issue – hailing from five different countries (the UK, Tanzania, India, Rwanda, and the USA) we worked together with limited equipment and no budget – across language barriers – to create this film over a four day period in Zanzibar as part of the 19th annual International Youth Media Summit.
Darshan BK
Who Is The REAL CULPRIT ? It is a short film of 3 minutes . A starving slum boy sits on the side of the road and picks up half-eaten corn thrown from a car and eats it ,A young man eating a tea bun near the opposite tea shop notices the boy and compassionately calls the boy to giving bun. Seeing the bun, the boy comes running with desire ,The lorry driver hits the boy with the lorry without seeing the boy running because the politician’s flex is hidden . is it the fault of the young man who took pity on the starving boy and called him to give him bread?
is It the fault of the ignorant boy who ran away from hunger?
Is it the driver’s fault that the boy was hit by the lorry without seeing because the place was hidden or is it the fault of the politician and the public who put flex on the side of the road.
We leave it up to you to decide who the real culprit is .