TIFF aligns with Cluj Net Zero Initiative

In 2022, Cluj-Napoca, through its City Hall, was selected for this initiative, committing to accelerate climate neutrality and distinguish itself at the European level with its vision of a green, digital, and resilient city. TIFF announces its alignment with the mission of 100 intelligent and climate-neutral cities by 2030, an ambitious program of the European Commission and will contribute to the Cluj Net Zero City Local Coalition, which demands systemic innovations and transformative actions across all emission sectors.

Since 2019, TIFF has been implementing an integrated sustainability strategy, aligning with the goals of the UNESCO City of Film network, which the festival joined in 2021, and the SMART7 festival network, co-founded by TIFF in 2022.

Sustainability initiatives and ambitions

The festival aims to test audience responses to small initiatives and changes to develop long-term sustainable actions, integrating them into the essence of the festival. The festival’s sustainable procurement policy establishes standards and criteria for selecting and acquiring goods and services. Additionally, a detailed survey at festival locations identifies opportunities for sustainability improvements. The EcoTIFF Roadmap Action Plan sets out actions and objectives to guide the festival towards long-term sustainability, with progress monitoring and reporting.

Through these measures, TIFF reaffirms its commitment to contributing to Cluj-Napoca’s climate neutrality goals and inspiring other cultural events to adopt similar practices.

Enhancing the festival experience with sustainability

This year, TIFF provides its audience and guests with a map highlighting Cluj-Napoca’s green spaces, such as Simion Bărnuțiu Central Park and Cetățuia Park, local food markets, sustainable shops, bike racks, and drinking water fountains.

Efforts are concentrated on reducing waste and consumption. The festival promotes alternative transport options for volunteers, staff, and participants, offering free public transport for festival pass holders and facilitating access with bicycles or scooters to event venues with special parking areas. In collaboration with Bolt Romania, the number of electric scooters near key interest points will be increased during the festival period.

Sustainable gastronomy

For gastronomic events like Film Food dinners, guest dinners, and fairs such as the Garden Party, TIFF collaborates with local producers. This year, there is a focus on using vegetarian ingredients and dishes.

Recycling and digitalization

The festival recycles damaged banners, carpets, and chairs from outdoor spaces. Digitalization is a priority, with a reduction in printed catalogs and tickets in favor of digital versions. The audience is encouraged to purchase tickets online, with fewer physical sales points and continuous investment in online sales. In 2023, 90% of over 100,000 tickets were bought online or through the TIFF app.

Sustainability on the Silver Screen

For over 12 years, TIFF’s program has included films focusing on the human-nature relationship. In 2024, the festival will feature films such as “Evil Does Not Exist” (dir. Ryûsuke Hamaguchi, Japan), a story about a rural community threatened by a tourist resort project, “Fox and Hare Save the Forest” (dir. Mascha Halberstad, Belgium/Luxembourg), an animated fable about the devastating effects of large-scale projects on ecosystems, and “Concrete Utopia” (dir. Um Tae-hwa, South Korea), a psychological thriller addressing social issues like the housing crisis and environmental degradation. Film screenings will be followed by discussions on these themes.