Sustainability is gaining an increasingly important place in the world of cinema. While entertaining millions of viewers, the audiovisual industry feeds the collective imagination and holds real power of influence, particularly in encouraging ecological transition. But behind the magic of images, every film, series, or documentary generates a significant environmental impact, resulting in several tons of greenhouse gas emissions for each production.
Sustainable filmmaking, also known in French as éco-tournage, aims to promote film production that is as resource-friendly as possible. The goal is to reduce the ecological footprint of productions by adopting practices that prioritize energy efficiency, waste reduction, the use of local resources, and better planning of transportation.
But sustainability does not stop behind the scenes. Green Storytelling comes into play even before production, by integrating ecologically sustainable behaviors into storylines and characters. Thus, cinema not only films responsibly, it also raises awareness by telling stories that highlight a more conscious and respectful relationship with the environment.
A Unifying Project on a National Scale
In 2023, a major report on green filming in Switzerland was published, marking a decisive step for the future of audiovisual production in the country. This report, commissioned by the Ticino Film Commission, was made possible thanks to the mobilization of key partners in the Swiss audiovisual landscape: the Valais Film Commission, Zürcher Filmstiftung, SSFV (Swiss Film and Video Association), Zurich Film Commission, Lucerne and Central Switzerland Film Commission, Swissfilm, Garp, SFP, Unabhängige Schweizer Filmproduzenten, ARFDS, Media Desk Switzerland, Berner Filmförderung, Swisslos Culture Canton of Bern, as well as the Fachausschuss Film und Medienkunst Kanton Basel, Stadt Kultur, Basel Landschaft Amt für Kultur. This collective effort reflects a shared ambition: to make cinema a more responsible and environmentally respectful sector.
The Role of Valais in the Green Transition
Valais, a territory that hosts numerous productions thanks to its spectacular landscapes and natural diversity, is also part of this initiative. The Valais Film Commission is committed to support productions in adopting more sustainable practices, focusing on:
- Promoting local resources (technicians, service providers, accommodation).
- Reducing the carbon footprint linked to transport and logistics.
- Encouraging renewable energy and eco-responsible infrastructure.
- Raising awareness among crews about environmentally friendly practices on set.
Several productions filmed recently in the canton already illustrate this commitment. Films and series such as « Intraçable”, “Winter Palace”, and “Mein Freund Barry” put green filming into practice by using reusable tableware, pooling transportation, and ensuring responsible waste management. These concrete initiatives prove that it is possible to combine production requirements with respect for the environment.
A Step Towards the Future
The 2023 report not only provides a diagnosis but also outlines concrete solutions to make green filming widespread in Switzerland. Valais, with its natural assets and cultural commitment, aspires to play a leading role in this transition, showing that creativity, production efficiency, and respect for the environment can go hand in hand.
