As part of its long-standing commitment to ecological and social responsibility, the FilmFestival Cottbus entered a certification process with Green Events Hamburg this year. This collaboration marks another important step toward an even more sustainable festival organization. The goal is to critically review all areas of work and event operations, strengthen proven practices, and set new standards for environmentally friendly and socially responsible action.
At the FFC, sustainability is not seen as an additional task or obligation, but as an integral part of our festival identity. Through mindful use of resources, fair working conditions, and the continuous development of our ecological, economic, and social responsibility, we aim to ensure that the FilmFestival Cottbus remains viable and forward-looking for the future.
FilmFestival Cottbus Sustainability Mission Statement
The FilmFestival Cottbus regards ecological and social sustainability, as well as the mindful use of natural resources, as an integral part of its work in all areas of the festival. Through targeted measures, the festival actively contributes to climate protection and pursues the goal of making its events increasingly environmentally friendly and resource-efficient. The effectiveness of these measures is regularly reviewed and evaluated as the foundation for the continuous development of the festival’s sustainability strategy.
The following examples outline concrete measures to reduce the ecological footprint — some of which are already being implemented, while others serve as goals for the upcoming festival edition.
Regional Internationality
As a festival dedicated to Central and Eastern European filmmaking, the FilmFestival Cottbus brings together filmmakers and audiences from many countries every year. At the same time, it places a strong focus on regionality — aiming to keep transport routes and supply chains as short as possible.
This is achieved, for example, through:
- Commissioning and selecting regional service providers and partners, many of whom already pursue their own sustainability goals.
- Providing regional catering for the Opening Ceremony and Award Ceremony, using locally sourced food and products from humane animal farming. The same standards apply to other gastronomic services, such as smaller get-togethers or jury catering, where meat products are largely avoided. Additionally, portion sizes are carefully planned to prevent food waste.
Reduce – Recycle – Reuse
The FilmFestival Cottbus strives to adopt resource-saving solutions in all areas that help reduce emissions, waste, and energy or water consumption.
These include, among others:
- Ecological print materials: All printed matter, such as the FFC programme booklet, posters, and flyers, is sustainably produced. For each print job, the FFC invests in carbon offsetting or reforestation projects. Print runs are based on actual demand. Partner print shops pursue their own sustainability goals — from renewable energy use to recycled paper and eco-friendly inks.
- Sustainable accommodation: All invited guests and travelling staff are housed exclusively in hotels with a sustainability certificate.
- Travel guidelines: Clear travel policies for staff and guests promote the use of public transport (train, bus, tram) as a priority.
- Low-emission transfers: Pick-ups from Berlin Brandenburg Airport or the main train station are limited to exceptional cases and are conducted using electric or hybrid vehicles.
- Compact festival geography: All FFC venues (cinemas, hotels, conference spaces) are deliberately chosen for their central location and can be reached on foot within 15 minutes.
Fair. Informed. Involved.
The FilmFestival Cottbus is committed to social sustainability, ensuring the use of fair-trade products and promoting access to culture and education for diverse groups.
This includes, for example:
- Offering fair-trade and sustainably produced coffee, tea, and chocolate in close cooperation with partner venues.
- Providing English subtitles for films and simultaneous German translation or subtitles to ensure accessibility for a wide audience.
- Maintaining the EcoEast programme section (established in 2022), which uses film screenings, discussions, and panels to explore issues of environmental protection, sustainability, and the human–nature relationship.
- Offering a diverse educational programme for school students.
- Taking diversity aspects into account in both programming and festival organization.
- Ensuring fair pay for all festival employees — including interns and temporary staff.
Responsibility as a Process
Through its ongoing certification process with Green Events Hamburg, the FilmFestival Cottbus aims to translate its existing environmental efforts into concrete, measurable actions. The festival is committed to the continuous improvement of its sustainability practices and the reduction of its ecological footprint.
This includes, among others:
- Monitoring compliance with all sustainability measures and evaluating their effectiveness after the festival.
- Encouraging active participation by staff, filmmakers, and audiences in climate protection measures, supported by a digital feedback system.
- Regular external evaluation by an independent auditor.