21/11/2025: IFFI Premise: Filmmakers investigate how sustainability influences narratives, set designs, and creative decisions.
Pritish Bagdi
The panel discussion titled “Reel Green: Sustainability and Storytelling Across Four Cinemas” at the 56th International Film Festival of India convened filmmakers and producers from India, Japan, Spain, and Australia, offering a unique convergence of global insights on sustainable cinema. Moderated by Naman Ramachandran, an esteemed journalist and film critic, the session delved into how environmental responsibility can influence both production practices and narrative content, integrating craft, culture, and conscience.
Indian Film Producer and Director Nila Madhab Panda initiated the discussion with a frank assessment of cinema’s environmental impact. He highlighted the significant carbon footprint of film production and noted that smaller films often have the flexibility to adopt greener practices. “Cinema is a mass medium. We have only one planet. Half of our energy resources are already consumed,” he stated, advocating for the industry to embrace sustainable practices wherever feasible.
Contrasting Panda’s viewpoint, Mina Moteki, a film producer from Japan, underscored the difficulties of implementing green practices in low-budget productions. She observed that while large-scale projects allow for innovation, smaller projects often face challenges with energy consumption, set management, and logistics. “We are trying to save energy wherever possible,” she remarked, noting a gradual cultural shift in Japanese filmmaking.
Spanish Film Producer Anna Saura echoed these concerns, emphasizing that sustainability is a creative responsibility. She highlighted that conscious decisions, from distribution to on-set management, can mitigate environmental impact without compromising the quality of storytelling. “Every step we take matters,” she asserted, “and even small, thoughtful actions contribute to a greener future.”
Australian filmmaker Garth Davis added a narrative perspective, reflecting on how stories can enhance environmental awareness. “Films connect people back to nature,” he commented. “The younger generation desires change, and storytelling has the power to shape behavior and values.”
The discussion examined global practices and their potential adaptation in local contexts. Davis described how Australian productions focus on respecting people, culture, and the environment, ensuring filming locations are left as they were or improved. Moteki discussed Japan’s blend of traditional and modern practices, including public transport, local hiring, and resource management. Saura highlighted Spain’s Green Film Certification system, which assesses and certifies the sustainability of film productions, guiding teams in adopting eco-friendly practices in catering, equipment, and logistics.
Throughout the session, the panelists emphasized the pivotal role of the younger generation. From creating eco-conscious sets to advocating for sustainability in narratives, youth were recognized as key agents of change. The panelists underscored the importance of mentorship, education, and habitual practices on set to foster a culture of sustainability that transcends borders and generations.
Practical strategies were discussed, including minimizing waste, reusing costumes, and opting for real locations over constructed sets. The panelists also highlighted the necessity for governmental and institutional support. Panda suggested certification systems to recognize sustainable efforts, while Davis proposed policies linking production incentives to environmental accountability.
In a positive note for the global community, the panelists advocated for increased collaborative sessions with other countries, sharing best practices, and adopting effective strategies to lessen environmental impact. They expressed that international dialogues and knowledge exchange would assist filmmakers worldwide in embracing sustainability without sacrificing creativity or storytelling.
By the conclusion of the panel discussion, it was evident that sustainability transcends being merely a technical guideline; it is a mindset. Across India, Japan, Spain, and Australia, the conversation reinforced that environmental consciousness intersects with storytelling, craft, and cultural responsibility. The panel affirmed that cinema can be both impactful and responsible, inspiring audiences and creators alike, and encouraging the next generation of filmmakers to envision a greener, more conscientious world.
