LOS ANGELES, April 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The final jury panel for the 2025 SmallRig Awards has been announced, led by Academy Award–winning filmmaker Ruby Yang (The Blood of Yingzhon District). Joining her on the panel are:
Uli Gaulke – A Berlin-based, award-winning documentary filmmaker.
Gu Tao – An award-winning Chinese independent documentary filmmaker and photographer of Manchu heritage.
You Xiaogang – A veteran producer and award winning director in China.
“Cinema is powerful! Motion pictures have the transformative ability to cultivate empathy and forge connections on a deeply human level. Our jury panel is seeking compelling stories that not only shine a light on critical issues but also inspire meaningful change,” said Ruby Yang, head of the SmallRig Awards jury panel.
In December 2024, the SmallRig Awards also launched its Global Filmmaker Talk series with a preview screening of Miguel Gomes’Grand Tour, co-presented by Los Angeles screening series Acropolis Cinema. The event featured an engaging conversation between director Miguel Gomes and Acropolis founder Jordan Cronk, where they explored the innovative nonfiction techniques and dynamic storytelling tools Gomes employed in the film.
“The SmallRig Awards are for socially conscious filmmakers,” says SmallRig founder Zhou Yang. “We believe that images are very powerful. They allow people, behavior, and important moments to be seen.” He continues: “While we support films that call for action on global issues and aim to create positive change, our focus is more on addressing issues constructively rather than taking a critical or activist approach.”
Launched in 2024 by SmallRig—renowned for its affordable, compact, and versatile filmmaking rigs—the SmallRig Awards are designed to discover impactful films and videos addressing global social issues. Winners will receive significant cash prizes and the opportunity to secure financial backing from SmallRig for future projects.
Participants will compete for 22 awards, with cash prizes ranging from $800 to $12,000. The jury has completed the review of all submitted entries. For more information on nominations, award announcements, and further updates, please visit: https://www.smallrig.com/activity/SmallRigAwards
SmallRig Awards
