At first glance, the Going Green Film Festival, which claims to be the first film fest to focus solely on green filmmaking, seems reasonable. Films can be submitted only through the festival's Web site in three categories: Green Production (where a film's production somehow lessens its carbon footprint), Our Planet (where a film covers third world issues, ecology, nature, or environment) and Hybrid/Alternative Transportation (where a film features a hybrid car, bike, electric scooter, or public transportation).
Filmmakers who focus on environmental topics surely appreciate the opportunity to have their films featured in the Our Planet category, but Green Production and Hybrid/Alternative Transportation just seem silly. How green is a film that purchases a few carbon credits or features a main character riding around on a Vespa? As environmental concerns come to the forefront of society, one would hope that sustainability concerns in production become de rigeur. And as hybrid vehicles become more common than gas-powered cars, won't most films feature them? The Going Green Film Festival is a decent incentive for filmmakers to shift their attention to environmental ideas in the short term, but it mostly just serves to make so-called green filmmaking a niche category, when in reality it should be integrated into all mainstream movies. Indeed, that trend is already beginning--out of the 32 films that competed at this year's Sundance Film Festival, five focused on the environment.
If you're still interested in submitting a film to the Going Green Film Festival, prizes include a hybrid electric bicycle, a tree planted in your name, and screenwriting software.
Related Stories: | Topics:Innovation, Technology, Ethonomics, going green, film festival, Movie, celluloid, sundance, environment, hybrid, Entertainment, Movies, Green Living, Sustainability, Culture and Lifestyle |
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Recent Comments | 8 Total
July 22, 2009 at 4:40pm by Freddy Nager
It sounds interesting, but I think I'd prefer full-color videos.
July 22, 2009 at 4:41pm by Ariel Schwartz
@Freddy That took me a second. Clever.
July 22, 2009 at 4:53pm by Freddy Nager
Sorry, Ariel, I couldn't resist. On a serious note, I think the concept is interesting, and a great way to generate attention, but it all comes down to the age-old question: are the movies entertaining? There are lots of themed film festivals out there -- I was a judge at an Asian-American film festival -- but if audiences don't find the movies compelling, these festivals quickly die out. Although I'm an ardent environmentalist, I would fear that a green film festival would consist largely of pedantic documentaries, many of them depressing screeds about the end of the world, all preaching to the choir. Even Hollywood's big-budget attempts to make an entertaining green movie ("Ferngully," "Arctic Tale" or "The Day After Tomorrow") have not been resounding successes from either a critical or box office standpoint. The overrated Korean green-horror film, "The Host," was more suited for a snoozefest than a filmfest.
July 22, 2009 at 4:53pm by Ariel Schwartz
That's a good point. I have actually seen a number of informative and entertaining environmentally-themed documentaries (The World According to Monsanto is a good recent one, though certainly depressing) but I have yet to see any decent big budget Hollywood movies on the subject. Except maybe Wall-E.
July 22, 2009 at 5:38pm by Freddy Nager
I forgot about "Wall-E". If a green fest could kick off with a film of that caliber, then it would stand a fighting chance. I would still endorse making the films part of a larger green culture festival, with food, music, etc.
July 23, 2009 at 3:12am by Fabian Pattberg
I just wanted to leave the comment that in my opinion this green film festival does not necessarily make sense. I know this might be controversial but wouldn't it be better to be a category or feature at a larger film festival to get more attention?
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I have an opinion on Sustainability and Green topics. Lets discuss them. More about me in my blog FabianPattberg.com http://www.fabianpattberg.com
July 23, 2009 at 1:46pm by Shibi Glen
Cool idea, I bet Hollywood won't buy it. If people see more movies where the main character rides on a Vespa instead a truck or SUV maybe it will have an impact. It's like with the cigarettes. There are no character smoking in the 90's movies.
Bill - silver shares professional
July 28, 2009 at 6:24am by Olive O
It is interesting! The idea was nice. Well, after that, you can check out another food festival, but this time, it was a food festival- the Girllooy Garlic Festival. The events at the Gilroy Garlic Festival include large scale cooking demonstrations that will get your entire family excited about the many home cooked meals to come. Every day offers live musical entertainment from several genres including: rock, country, jazz, and pop. In addition, the Gilroy Garlic Festival offers arts and crafts, including garlic rope braiding, and special projects designed specifically for the children and young at heart. Be sure not to miss the recipe contest, and enter your vote for the most unique and tasteful garlic dishes. The history behind the Gilroy Garlic Festival will leave you in the mood for discovering more of California’s rich culture. One of the best parts about this year’s Gilroy Garlic Festival is that Fabio, the great chef from the Bravo TV channel, will be hosting the event. His wit and charm will surely make this festival a highlight of the summer. Be sure to log onto the Gilroy Garlic Festival’s website to find more excited venues for the week. The cost is twelve dollars per day and includes free parking.