TIFF is in line with the Cluj Net Zero initiative

In 2022, Cluj-Napoca was selected for this initiative, through its City Hall, committing to accelerate the achievement of climate neutrality and stand out at European level with its vision of a green, digital and resilient city. TIFF announces that it is aligning with the Mission of 100 Smart 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 is demanding systemic innovation and transformative action across all emissions sectors .

Since 2019, TIFF has been implementing an integrated sustainable development strategy, in line 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.

Sustainable development initiatives and ambitions

The festival aims to test the audience’s reaction to small initiatives and changes in order to develop long-term, sustainable activities, making them part of the essence of the festival. The festival’s sustainable purchasing policy sets standards and criteria for the selection and purchase of goods and services. Additionally, a detailed survey conducted at festival locations identifies opportunities to improve sustainability. The EcoTIFF Roadmap Action Plan outlines actions and goals to guide the festival towards long-term sustainability, along with progress monitoring and reporting.

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

Enhancing festival experiences through sustainability

This year, TIFF is providing its viewers and guests with a map showing Cluj-Napoca’s green spaces, such as Simion Bărnuțiu Central Park and Cetățuia Park, local food markets, sustainable shops, bicycle racks and drinking fountains.

Efforts focus on reducing waste and consumption. The festival promotes alternative transport options for volunteers, employees and participants, offering free public transport for festival pass holders and facilitating access by bicycles and scooters to event venues with special parking lots. In cooperation with Bolt Romania, the number of electric scooters near key landmarks will be increased during the festival period.

Sustainable gastronomy

For gastronomic events such as Film Food dinners, guest dinners and trade fairs such as Garden Party, TIFF partners with local producers. This year the emphasis is on the use of vegetarian ingredients and dishes.

Recycling and digitization

As part of the festival, damaged banners, carpets and chairs from outdoor spaces are recycled. Digitization is a priority and involves reducing the number of printed catalogs and tickets in favor of digital versions. Spectators are encouraged to purchase tickets online, with fewer physical sales points and continued investment in online sales. In 2023, 90% of over 100,000 tickets were purchased online or via the TIFF app.

Sustainability on the silver screen

For over 12 years, the TIFF program has included films dealing with the issue of man-nature relations. In 2024, the festival will present films such as “There is no evil” (dir. Ryûsuke Hamaguchi, Japan), a story about a rural community threatened by a tourist resort project, “The Fox and the Hare Save the Forest” (dir. Mascha Halberstad, Belgium/Luxembourg) , an animated fairy tale about the devastating impact of large projects on ecosystems, and “Concrete Utopia” (dir. Um Tae-hwa, South Korea), a psychological thriller touching on social issues such as the housing crisis and environmental degradation. After the film screenings, there will be discussions on these topics.