Animateka Goes Greener

Animateka has long been committed to organising the festival in a way that respects the natural environment, the community, and the environment in which we operate. Drawing on our understanding of sustainable development as an essential responsibility of the cultural sector, we strive to use resources wisely, reduce our environmental footprint, and promote good practices among artists, visitors, and festival partners. As members of the AFN (Animation Festival Network), we have now committed to reporting on our impact and making continuous improvements in line with the Green Charter for Film Festivals.

Our sustainability activities encompass all aspects of the festival – from transport and printed materials to energy use, food, and the educational program. We are aware that sustainability is not a one-time decision, but a process. With small steps, we are gradually moving towards more responsible festival organisation that incorporates ecological, social, and economic dimensions.

We invite you to join us on this journey and work with us to create a friendlier festival.

Transport

 

In progress:

  • Cooperation with the Ljubljana Public Transport (LPP): free bus rides for festival visitors and introduction of QR codes for more accurate monitoring of bus usage.
  • Harmonised system for combining guest arrivals and airport transfers.
  • Where possible and reasonable, organising festival guests’ travel by train or bus.
  • All festival venues are located in the city centre and accessible by public transport, bicycle, or on foot.
  • Encouraging the team to use bicycles and public transport to get to work.
  • More frequently scheduling meetings of the festival team online instead of face-to-face to reduce business travel.

Planned:

  • Sponsorship of electric vehicle providers for festival guest transfers.
  • Where feasible, offering special benefits to motivate guests to travel without flying.

Printed and promotional materials

 

In progress:

  • Eliminating unnecessary printed materials and optimising print runs (catalogues, programme booklets, posters).
  • Providing information for guests in digital form (no printed materials or folders).
  • Recycling old promotional materials into useful products in collaboration with the Smetumet collective.
  • Selling festival merchandise made from organic and recycled textiles.
  • Encouraging guests to bring their own lanyards for festival passes or to reuse them.

Planned:

  • Building a more user-friendly website as the primary information tool.
  • Selling Smetumet collective products made from recycled old promotional materials in the festival shop.

Waste and energy consumption

 

In progress:

  • Improving waste sorting practices in the festival office and association premises.
  • During the festival, having a designated person who ensures proper and consistent waste sorting.
  • Prudent use of energy in the association’s premises (turning off devices, using less consumables).
  • Moving towards the reuse of festival decorations whenever possible.

Planned:

  • Systematic recording of energy consumption, waste, and transport (in line with The Green Charter for Film Festivals guidelines).
  • Measuring the carbon footprint of each subsequent festival edition.
  • Defining further measures to reduce waste and energy consumption.

Food and drink

 

In progress:

  • Efforts to reduce the use of single-use plastics at the festival’s catered events. Where plastics are used, they are recycled plastics produced using green energy.
  • Using glass cups, ceramic plates, and metal cutlery at the festival’s catered events.
  • Working with local food and beverage providers.
  • Encouraging guests to drink tap water.
  • Festival catering is increasingly leaning towards plant-based options.

Planned:

  • Selling sustainable stainless-steel bottles in the festival shop.

Programme and educational content

 

In progress:

  • Including films with environmental and sustainability themes in the festival programme.
  • Distribution of two special educational programs for children, The Green Elephant (7+ and 11+), which address various aspects of sustainable development and nature conservation.
  • Where possible, workshops for children and young people involve the reuse or use of recycled materials, with mentors also encouraging their thoughtful and economical use.

Planned:

  • Further integration of sustainable content into the film programme.
  • Expansion of educational programs in AFN (Animation Festival Network) countries.

Organisation and governance

 

In progress:

  • Ongoing internal discussions on sustainable practices.
  • Electronic system for guest accreditation and film submission without printed applications and forms.
  • Regular meetings of festivals within the AFN (Animation Festival Network) to exchange green practices.

Planned:

  • Appointment of green coordinators in the festival team and their training under the guidance of Valentína Hučková (Fest Anča).
  • Development of comprehensive ESG (environmental, social, and governance) strategies.
  • Regular reporting on the environmental impact of the festival.

For more information and suggestions, please get in touch with Barbara Beškovnik (barbara.beskovnik@animateka.si).