Belgium’s Film Industry Unveils Charter for a More Eco-Responsible Cinema

Hors Champ, the Federation of Cinema and Audiovisual Professions in Belgium, in collaboration with Cinécolab, has published the Charter for a More Eco-Responsible Cinema. This significant document, released on June 14, 2024, is the result of a year-long collaborative project that involved industry workers from various sectors. Through four sessions of collective intelligence exercises, these professionals developed a comprehensive charter of commitments and intentions aimed at making cinema production more sustainable.

The Charter is structured into five key sections: common framework, script and direction, production, actors, and technical crew. It is founded on core values such as respect, mutual aid, equity, sobriety, and sharing.

1. Common Framework: This includes measures applicable across all projects, such as reducing paper consumption, choosing local suppliers, and using eco-friendly transportation.
2. Script and Direction: This addresses the environmental impact of storytelling and the ecological constraints of film production. Scriptwriters are encouraged to create stories that promote sustainability, while directors are advised to use filming techniques that minimize environmental harm.
3. Production: This section focuses on making film production more eco-friendly by hiring eco-representatives, clearly communicating ecological goals, and utilizing sustainable materials.
4. Actors: Actors are encouraged to reduce their environmental footprint by opting for train travel when possible and accepting less luxurious accommodations.
5. Technical Crew: The technical crew is committed to ambitious environmental goals, such as reducing energy consumption and managing waste efficiently.

The launch event, held at CinéFlagey/Kinograph, was proof of the collective efforts of the Belgian film industry towards ecological transition. Attendees had the opportunity to discuss the Charter’s implications and celebrate this significant milestone with industry peers.

The dedication and active participation of numerous industry workers were instrumental in the development of the Charter. Among the participants in the collective intelligence sessions was Greenflix, contributing to the discussions and formulation of sustainable practices within the film industry.

As the guidelines of the Charter for a More Eco-Responsible Cinema are put into practice, it is hoped that more industry partners will join in supporting and promoting the movement towards reducing the environmental impact of the entertainment industry. Together, a sustainable future for cinema and audiovisual production can be created.

The Charter is available here.

The collective effort to enhance sustainability in the film industry is impressive, and the Belgian cinema professionals’ sensitivity and commitment to ecological transition are exemplary. This Charter lays the foundation for a significant transformation, marking the first step towards a more eco-responsible cinematic future.