Reykjavík International Film Festival (RIFF) is proud to align its sustainability strategy with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a global framework for social, environmental, and economic responsibility. Through our programming, partnerships, and daily operations, RIFF aligns with several key goals that reflect our values as a cultural organisation and as part of Iceland’s creative community.

SDG 4 - Quality Education

RIFF provides workshops, panels, and educational initiatives that inspire audiences and filmmakers, fostering knowledge about filmmaking, sustainability, and global cultural issues.

YouthRIFF, RIFF’s dedicated children’s festival, aims to strengthen film literacy among young audiences and encourage thoughtful discussion about society. Through creative teamwork and initiatives such as Ungmennaráð (the Youth Council), YouthRIFF also seeks to promote democratic participation and empower young voices. Additionally, it aims to make cinema accessible and educational for all ages. 

Among its most popular initiatives is the filmmaking bootcamp “Kids Film!”, a five-day workshop that brings together children from across Iceland to learn the fundamentals of filmmaking and produce their own short film. This program has become a permanent part of RIFF’s annual calendar, offering valuable cultural education to both children and the teachers who accompany them.

YouthRIFF also organizes interactive workshops for preschool and kindergarten groups, introducing the youngest audiences to the magic of cinema through play, creativity, and storytelling. 

SDG 5 - Gender Equality

RIFF is committed to advancing gender equality and inclusivity across every aspect of the festival, from programming and leadership to audience engagement and industry participation.

In our 2025 festival program, the representation of women and men directors reached a 50/50 split, reflecting our ongoing effort to ensure balanced visibility and opportunities. Founded in 2004 by Hrönn Marínósdóttir, RIFF has carried this mission since its inception. As a woman leading in the cultural sector, Hrönn has long championed the visibility of women in film, both on screen and behind the camera. Under her leadership, RIFF has supported women filmmakers through mentorship initiatives, networking events, and partnerships that highlight their creative contributions.

Beyond gender balance, RIFF also promotes diverse voices more broadly, celebrating stories from underrepresented communities and encouraging dialogue on equality within the global film industry. By embedding equality into the heart of its operations and artistic vision, RIFF strives to contribute meaningfully to SDG 5 - Gender Equality and to a more inclusive cultural landscape. 

SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities 

RIFF supports Reykjavík’s vision of becoming a sustainable cultural capital by engaging local partners, venues, and audiences in environmentally responsible practices. The festival is deeply rooted in the city’s creative landscape and strives to operate in ways that contribute positively to urban life, accessibility, and sustainability. 

Our transportation partners - Hertz and Hopp - play an essential role in promoting sustainable mobility during the festival. Through our collaboration with Hertz on electric vehicle rentals and the electric scooter service Hopp, we ensure that staff, filmmakers, and guests can travel efficiently and minimize their environmental impact between venues.

The scale of a festival like RIFF relies on a strong network of partnerships to function effectively. Our carefully selected collaborations are built on shared values and mutual benefit, helping us create a festival that not only celebrates film but also contributes to a more sustainable and connected community. RIFF’s new initiative, The Small Stage, is designed to serve as a meeting point for diverse cultures and art forms, fostering collaboration and strengthening connections with a wide range of organisations.

SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production

In line with our commitment to reduce the environmental impact of printed materials, RIFF has implemented a policy to minimise the use of printed programs and posters. In the past year, we successfully reduced the total number of printed copies by approximately 60% by decreasing the number of pages and prioritizing digital distribution. 

For the upcoming festival, RIFF plans to reduce printed materials by an additional 20% to ensure that only the most essential content is printed. Festival staff and guests receive T-shirts made from 100% organic cotton, while older tote bags and shirts are reused as giveaway items, extending their life cycle and reducing waste. 

Through these efforts, RIFF aims to promote conscious consumption, reduce material waste, and encourage a culture of reuse across all areas of festival production.

SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals 

RIFF recognizes that achieving meaningful cultural, social, and environmental impact requires strong partnerships with local, national, and international organizations. By working collaboratively, we strengthen our capacity to deliver a festival that is inclusive, sustainable, and culturally vibrant.

Through its membership in the SMART7 network, RIFF engages in peer learning, sustainability initiatives, and audience development workshops alongside six other European festivals. SMART7 also supports a joint competitive film section, providing opportunities for emerging filmmakers and enriching RIFF’s programming. This partnership exemplifies the power of international collaboration to share knowledge, resources, and best practices, directly contributing to the goals of SDG 17.

These collaborations are built on mutual benefit and shared values, allowing RIFF to mobilize resources, exchange knowledge, and expand our reach while advancing global sustainability goals. Looking ahead, RIFF aims to deepen existing partnerships and establish new collaborations that enhance accessibility, cultural diversity, and environmental responsibility, further aligning festival operations with the SDGs and fostering a resilient, connected cultural ecosystem.

Looking ahead, RIFF aims to deepen existing partnerships and establish new collaborations that enhance accessibility, cultural diversity, and environmental responsibility, further aligning festival operations with the SDGs and fostering a resilient, connected cultural ecosystem.

RIFF strengthens its sustainability commitments through a new partnership with the Arctic Circle Alliance. Each year, the Arctic Circle Summit in Reykjavík brings together global policymakers, environmental experts, and cultural leaders to discuss the future of the Arctic. At the summit, RIFF presents Films From The North, a program highlighting stories from the Arctic region that explore its environmental and cultural challenges. By integrating cinema into this high-level forum, RIFF amplifies the voices of filmmakers and Indigenous communities, fostering understanding and inspiring actionable solutions to the region’s urgent issues. This collaboration directly supports SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals.