The launch of 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 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, the 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, and as citizens of planet Earth, we have become increasingly aware of how important it is for each and 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.
With the 63rd TIFF, it makes a step toward this long-term goal, renewing the pledge to follow a mindful approach and inspiring 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 welcome you as our fellow participants and active citizens to join us in our effort to be as green and sustainable as possible.
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. Around the festival venues, you will find water coolers. The water provided by the festival is made of environmentally-friendly packaging.
Ditching single-use plastics
We are no longer selling and using single-use plastic. If you have a single-use plastic water bottle with 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 Agora C. If you don’t want it, return it! Our printed materials are issued on FSC® paper and we will recycle them 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 any venue you find 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!
A second step toward zero-waste management
The 63rd Thessaloniki International Film Festival will be the first event of its scale to collaborate with VIPA Group, a circular waste management company, and InCommOn, a civil non-profit ompany that promotes sustainable development as a response to city issues, in order to accomplish the cyclical management of the waste that will be generated during the project. In collaboration with VIPA Group company, there will be a daily collection, sorting, and cyclical management of the waste generated from all the event spots at the 63rd TIFF 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, 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 facilities. The collected materials will be transferred to their waste management units, for their proper management, in order to get responsibly recycled, composted, or gain a second life. Thus, organic waste will be converted into a soil conditioner for crops, paper, plastic, and aluminum will be promoted for upcycling.
Sustainable Waste Management Collaborators
