The launch of the Evia Film Project by the Thessaloniki Film Festival in June 2022 aimed to strengthen the region’s local economy with respect to the local ecosystem and via an awareness of a need for growth. EFP was the inaugural first step of the Thessaloniki International Film Festival toward sustainability.
From the content of the screenings, workshops and panels to the engagement with the local community, the Festival operations and event tried to be as sustainable and green as possible. The Festival’s commitment toward raising awareness around environment preservation and the climate crisis remains stronger than ever.
As citizens of planet Earth, we have become increasingly aware of how important it is for every one of us to do our part to protect the environment and our fellow human beings, and reduce our impact on them. The Thessaloniki Film Festival acknowledges its environmental impact and commits even further to being as green and sustainable as possible, envisioning an event that wastes as little as possible – with the awareness that change doesn’t happen overnight, and we are on an ever-evolving journey toward becoming the best version of ourselves that’s possible.
Following the successful, sustainable experience of the 63rd TIFF, the 25th TiDF takes a step toward this long-term goal, renewing the pledge to follow a mindful approach and wishing to inspire all audiences and participants to do the same – both during the festival and onward. As a festival, we have always aimed to host stories that address urgent social issues of global impact, giving our audiences the space to reflect on how they lead their own lives. In our latest edition, we urge you as our fellow participants and as active citizens to join us in our effort to be as green and sustainable as possible.
This year we are launching a new parallel action, the Climate Hub. It’s a series of conversations with the participation of leading organisations, teams and experts, focusing on issues of social and environmental sustainability, that will be discussed in regard to their applicability in the audiovisual sector. With the participation of: the social enterprise ELECTRA Energy Cooperative focusing on developing sustainable energy communities, the repurposing materials initiative OnMaterials, the nonprofit InCommOn, which promotes circular economy through actions that spark awareness and the activation of citizens and businesses, SKG Makers, the community Zero Waste Thessaloniki, the initiative of a co-working space for creative projects and education, the environmental nonprofit WWF, a long-time supporter and collaborator of the Festival, and Eleni Stefanou, the multimedia producer and former social media editor for The Guardian. Μore actions to be announced during the festival dates at: https://on.tiff.gr/sustainability
Here are some steps you can follow:
Mindful travel
Think about your arrival to and departure from the festival. When you can, travel by walking, cycling, or car-pooling can be quicker, more practical, and scenic – good for our health plus it also lowers our carbon emissions. Mass transportation options are available too.
Sustainable water consumption
Single-use free water remains the most sustainable water consumption option. We encourage you to use your own reusable water bottle. Around the festival venues, you will find water coolers.
Ditching single-use plastics
We are continuing our effort to forgo single-use plastic. If you have a single-use plastic water bottle, you can recycle it at our plastic recycling stations.
Reduction of consumption
We have limited our festival promotional materials, being mindful of the energy consumption they require to recycle them, and the environmental footprint they entail. Approach merchandise while being mindful of consumption and efficiency. This year we will have a “merch drop-off” option at Warehouse C. If you don’t want it, return it! Our printed materials will be recycled at the end of our activities. Instead of throwing paper away, recycle it!
A more sustainable food and beverage consumption
We are relying as much as possible on reusable cutlery and products. Opt to buy and consume seasonal and local food and beverages, available at all venues during the duration of your stay in Thessaloniki. Along with minimizing the energy spent on transporting materials, you can help strengthen the local economy and diversify your experience!
The next step toward zero-waste management
The 25th Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival is one of the first events of its scale to collaborate with the VIPA Group, a circular waste management company, InCommOn, a civil non-profit company that promotes circular economy through actions that spark awareness and the activation of citizens and businesses, and Cigaret Cycle, in order to accomplish the cyclical management of the waste that will be generated during the project. In collaboration with the VIPA Group company, there will be a daily collection, sorting, and cyclical management of the waste generated from all the event spots at the 25th TiDF festival venues. Specifically, in the locations where the events will take place, there will be separate recycling bins for the streams of paper, plastic, aluminum, cigarette butts, and organic waste. At the end of each event, the collected materials will be transferred to special storage bins, where they will be weighed and recorded in the VIPA, InCommOn, and Cigaret Cycle facilities. The collected materials will be transferred to their waste management units so they can be responsibly recycled, composted, or gain a second life. Thus, we will make sure that certain kind of waste will be promoted for upcycling.
Sustainable Waste Management Collaborators
