Unbound the Greyhound running for top prize at the world's biggest sustainability film festival

Calling on millions to watch the free screenings of films of change and hope to bring positive changes to our community, planet and future. 

The 6th Big Syn International Film Festival is screening films, until 26 October 2024. The festival had a grand opening at London’s iconic Piccadilly Lights, Europe’s biggest screen. 

This is the world’s biggest sustainability film festival, reaching over 45 million in 120 countries, led by a Grand Jury of OSCAR, BAFTA and EMMY award-winners and leaders from the United Nations, House of Lords, as well as sustainability, policy and media stalwarts. 

The festival is screening an array of nearly 150 films that have been selected from hundreds of feature films, shorts, documentaries, animations, micro-shorts and charity films from over 120 countries. 

The Unbound the Greyhound film that calls for ban on greyhound racing in Scotland will be screening at the festival. The animated film tells the story of Bob the greyhound, who has been rescued from the greyhound racing industry, and fictional greyhound, Bea, who remains in the racing industry. Through the narration of Bob the greyhound, the short film explores the welfare issues of dog racing and highlights the need for a phase out to dog racing.  

OneKind's Head of Campaigns and Media, Eve Massie Bishop, said:

"We are absolutely thrilled to be nominated for this highly-coveted award for the coalition's short film calling for an end to dog racing in Scotland. Dog racing is on its last legs in Scotland, with just one single tracking remaining in the country and strong backing from the public for a ban. Greyhounds are affectionate, sensitive dogs that deserve warm homes with loving families."

The film by the Unbound the Greyhound coalition (comprised of 9 animal welfare groups and led by Scottish animal welfare charity OneKind), is a finalist at the festival. It was selected as part of a United Nations Sustainable Development Goals commitment. Members of the coalition include campaigning charities, rehoming centres, and an all-party parliamentary group: OneKind, All-Party Parliamentary Group for Dog Advisory Welfare Group (APDAWG), Animal Concern, Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, GREY2K USA Worldwide, Hope Rescue, League Against Cruel Sports Scotland, Say No to Greyhound Racing in Scotland, and Scotland Against Greyhound Exploitation (SAGE). 

The festival is promoted by leading national and international organisations including major UN agencies such as World Meteorological Agency, International Maritime Organisation and UNRIC, as well as other leading art and culture institutions such as the British Council and Directors UK.  

Justine Simons OBE, London’s Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, said: “The storytelling power of film is a brilliant way to entertain and inform audiences. Big Syn Film Fest will be hosting a wide range of free screenings that will raise awareness about important sustainability issues and inspire urgent action at a time when we are faced with one of humanity's biggest challenge - climate change. From features to animations, these films will show us that we all have a part to play in looking after our planet, as we build a better London for everyone.” 

The films screening will not only entertain, but also enlighten viewers about the big issues faced by our environment, economy and society; climate change, plastic pollution, conservation, biodiversity, mental health, equity, diversity, gender equality and many more burning topics are covered by this year's official selections and finalists. These films tell relatable human stories of struggle, resilience, adaptation, innovation and change from across the world that can inspire positive actions from the viewers. 

Inviting viewers to the festival, the festival's founders, Dr Ragini G Roy and Dr Sourav Roy, said: "We are delighted that over 300 charities from across the world have participated this year and over 50 inspirational charity films are currently screening to millions worldwide, spreading their messages of hope and change." 

Winners will be declared on 8th November at the red carpet gala awards ceremony at Curzon Soho and all the winners will be featured on Europe's biggest screen, London's Piccadilly Lights on 14th November 2024.