Sjálfbærnistefna
RIFF’S VISION FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
At RIFF, sustainability is not just a goal—it's a guiding principle woven into every aspect of our film programming, organizational practices, and industry initiatives. As the world grapples with unprecedented environmental challenges, we recognize our responsibility to drive positive change through our actions and platforms.
We are dedicated to highlighting the global crises facing humanity and inspiring action through our festival’s influence. Our approach involves not only showcasing impactful films but also implementing sustainable practices within our organization and fostering ecological awareness across all our activities. Our vision is to lead by example, promoting a greener film industry and demonstrating how cultural events can contribute to a healthier planet.
Every step we take—big or small—brings us closer to a more sustainable future, and we are steadfast in our promise to make meaningful contributions to both our community and the environment.
Sustainable Development Goals - SDGs
Sustainable Development Goals - SDGs
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.
SGD 4 - Menntun fyrir öll
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 – Jafnrétti kynjanna
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.
SGD 11 – Sjálfbærar borgir og samfélög
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 – Ábyrg neysla og framleiðsla
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 – Samvinna um markmiðin
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 styrkir einnig sjálfbærnistefnu sína með nýju samstarfi við Arctic Circle Alliance. Ár hvert kemur Arctic Circle Summit saman í Reykjavík þar sem alþjóðlegir stefnumótendur, umhverfissérfræðingar og menningarleiðtogar ræða framtíð norðurslóða. Á ráðstefnunni kynnir RIFF dagskráliðinn Myndir úr norðri, sem sýnir sögur frá norðurslóðum og fjallar um menningarleg og umhverfisleg áskoranir svæðisins. Með því að fella kvikmyndalistina inn í þennan vettvang eykur RIFF sýnileika kvikmyndagerðafólks og frumbyggja, stuðlar að auknum skilningi og hvetur til raunhæfra lausna á brýnum málefnum svæðisins. Þetta samstarf styður beint við SDG 17 – Samstarf um markmiðin.
How our programming supports the SDGs
A Different Tomorrow Category
This section has become increasingly popular with our audience over the years, engaging them in critical conversations that help us all become better citizens of the planet we call home. It is the only competitive section in our festival for documentaries, highlighting the power of storytelling in driving environmental and social awareness.
Films showcased in A Different Tomorrow are followed by Impact Talks. These conversations provide a unique opportunity for audiences to engage with filmmakers, experts, and activists, deepening the dialogue around environmental and sustainability issues and inspiring concrete actions.
The Green Puffin Award
This award is presented to the film professional who has made a significant contribution to environmental advocacy through their work. Additionally, RIFF is expanding its impact-driven programming by engaging young audiences in discussions on sustainability and offering educational sessions on eco-conscious storytelling.
