For its 21st edition (1–9 July), the Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival (NIFFF) continues to develop its strategy for sustainability with a growing network of eco-friendly partners. Started in 2021 and planned over 5 years, supported by the Banque Cantonale Neuchâteloise (BCN), a long-time partner of the festival, this strategy is present at all levels of the event: energy, waste, transportation, food, drinks, and even social aspects.
OBJECTIVES AND MEASURES THAT CAN ADAPT
In 2021, the following measures were implemented: green electricity from new partner Viteos, end to the production of promotional goodies with a short lifespan, recycling and upcycling of festival’s archives, more food veggie options, and more local produce.
Here are the new measures for 2022.
2022 MEASURES
TRANSPORTATION
Neuchâtelroule is an initiative from the City of Neuchâtel aimed at encouraging people to cycle near the lake and pushes for more sustainability. As a partner of the NIFFF for many years, Neuchâtelroule allows the festival’s employees to move around with bicycles during the event.
This year, the partnership between Neuchâtelroule and the NIFFF goes further, and offers a 50% discount to festival-goers on bike rentals from July 1st to July 9th, 2022, in order to promote soft mobility.
WASTE
In 2018, the Open Air came to the NIFFF for the first time on Place des Halles. In collaboration with the BCN, a Neuchâtel-inspired tarp covered the back of the Open Air screen. It has already been used 3 times, in 2018, 2019, and 2021.
In 2022, with the architecture of the Open Air changing, it is unfortunately no longer possible to use this tarp. Its raw materials will however be re-used to manufacture objects (seats for OFFF area and bags sold at festival’s store) by Backstage MusicWear, only a few kilometres from Neuchâtel.
F&B
For its 21st edition, the NIFFF is relying on FEEL EAT to take care of the catering for its volunteers and team members. FEEL EAT offers 100% homemade dishes from local, organic (if in season) produce. A balanced, eco-friendly diet with a zero waste policy.
INFRASTRUCTURES AND ENERGY
Viteos water fountain
Since it is important to keep hydrated, especially in summer, the NIFFF and Viteos (official festival sponsor) are joining forces to install a water fountain at the heart of the Jardin anglais. The aim is to make it easier for people to access water and to avoid using plastic bottles, which could end up in non-recycling bins or in nature.
SOCIAL ASPECTS
A stand for GSN (Générations Sexualités Neuchâtel) and Addiction Neuchâtel can be found at the OFFF area of the Jardin anglais.
Motivated, committed young volunteers are the driving force of GSN, a programme for prevention and promotion of health-related topics relying on a peer-based approach. They offer to lend a trusting ear for any discussion about sexual health (HIV and other STDs, love/sexual relationships, consent, pleasure, sexual orientation, gender identity, contraception, etc…).
SUSTAINABILITY PARTNERS
