Sustainable cinema is a mindset

The panel discussion “Reel Green: Sustainability and Storytelling Across Four Cinemas” at the 56th International Film Festival of India brought together filmmakers and producers from India, Japan, Spain, and Australia for a rare confluence of global perspectives on sustainable cinema.

Moderated by Naman Ramachandran, an internationally acclaimed journalist and film critic, the session explored how environmental responsibility can shape not only production practices but also the narratives themselves, bridging craft, culture, and conscience.

The 56th International Film Festival of India is staged in Goa from November 20–28, with a dazzling spectrum of languages, genres, innovations, and voices. Founded in 1952, the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is South Asia’s oldest and largest celebration of cinema.

Nila Madhab Panda, Indian Film Producer and Director, set the tone with a candid reflection on cinema’s environmental footprint and sustainable cinema.

Nila Panda is known for his directorial venture, Hindi film Kadvi Hawa, a poignant tale of the consequences of climate change for Indian farmers. The film, highly appreciated for its storytelling, starred Sanjay Mishra and Ranvir Shorey.

Nila Madhab Panda reminded the audience that the carbon impact of film production is substantial and that smaller films often have the flexibility to implement greener practices.“Cinema is a mass medium. We have only one planet. Half of our energy resources are already consumed,” he said, urging the industry to adopt sustainable measures wherever possible.

Contrary to Nila Madhab Panda’s view, Mina Moteki, a film producer from Japan, highlighted the challenges of implementing green practices in low-budget productions, noting that while large-scale projects allow for innovation, smaller projects often struggle with energy use, set management, and logistics. “We are trying to save energy wherever possible,” she said, pointing to a gradual shift in Japanese filmmaking culture.

Anna Saura, Spanish Film Producer, echoed these concerns, adding that sustainability is a creative responsibility. She stressed that conscious choices, from distribution to on-set management, can reduce environmental impact without compromising storytelling quality. “Every step we take matters,” she said, “and even small, thoughtful actions contribute to a greener future.”

Garth Davis, an Australian filmmaker, added a narrative dimension to the conversation, reflecting on how stories themselves can influence environmental awareness. “Films connect people back to nature,” he said. “The younger generation wants change, and storytelling has the power to shape behaviour and values.”

The discussion explored global practices and their potential adaptation in local contexts.

Garth described Australian productions’ focus on respecting people, culture, and the environment, leaving filming locations as they were or even better once shooting is done.

Mina spoke about Japan’s mix of traditional and modern practices, from public transport and local hiring to careful resource management.

Anna Saura highlighted Spain’s Green Film Certification system, which evaluates and certifies the sustainability of film productions, guiding teams to adopt eco-friendly practices in catering, equipment, and logistics.

Throughout the session, the panellists emphasised the crucial role of the younger generation. From creating eco-conscious sets to advocating for sustainability in stories, youth were recognised as key drivers of change.

Panellists underscored the importance of mentorship, education, and habitual practices on set to nurture a culture of sustainability that spans borders and generations.

Practical strategies were discussed, including minimising waste, reusing costumes, and using real locations rather than constructed sets. Panellists also stressed the need for governmental and institutional support.

Nila Madhab Panda suggested certification systems to acknowledge sustainable cinema, while Garth Davis proposed policies that link production incentives to environmental accountability.

In an encouraging note for the global community, the panellists advocated for more collaborative sessions with other countries, the sharing of best practices, and the adoption of effective strategies to reduce environmental impact.

They expressed that international dialogues and knowledge exchange would help filmmakers worldwide embrace sustainability without compromising creativity or storytelling.

By the end of the panel discussion, it was clear that sustainable cinema is not 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 imagine a greener, more conscientious world.