Feature film THE MOUNTAIN becomes Iceland's first certified Green Film
The feature film The Mountain, written and directed by Ásthildur Kjartansdóttir, is the first to receive the Green Film sustainability certification in Iceland.
In a press release, it is said that the certification marks a new beginning in more environmentally friendly production methods, setting a standard for measurable sustainability in the production process.
Towards Certification of The Mountain
The producers and director of The Mountain, working closely with the cast and crew, made a concerted effort to meet the strict certification requirements. This included developing a comprehensive sustainability plan, implementing an eco-friendlier use of transport and technology and choosing more sustainable suppliers across various stages of production.
“Traditional film productions can leave a significant carbon footprint, especially due to air travel, transportation, electricity usage, and waste. We aimed to reduce energy consumption, use renewable energy sources, minimize travel, cut down on paper usage, reduce waste, and promote more sustainable practices in every aspect of production,” said Sigríður Rósa Bjarnadóttir, the film's sustainability manager.
“We wanted to reduce the production's carbon footprint and ensure that we could measure and verify our results locally. We're proud to say we succeeded. The results aren't all tangible or visible, but one noticeable difference was on set—where no disposable plastic containers, plates, cups, or utensils were used. This significantly reduced the amount of waste we had to manage at the end of each day, and as bonus kept the set tidier than usual,” said producer Anna Guðbjörg Magnúsdóttir.
"This is the second time I make a green film, the first one received BAFTA certification abroad. I am very pleased to make another green film and that it is certified in Iceland," says Ásthildur Kjartansdóttir, director.
KPMG Iceland, a leading firm in auditing and consulting, conducted the certification audit and confirmed that The Mountain met the requirements for Green Film certification.
“We at KPMG are proud to have participated in this project with The Mountain. This is a significant step towards more sustainable filmmaking, and we especially commend The Mountain for being the first in Iceland to engage in this important initiative,” said Lára Portal, Sustainability Consultant at KPMG and a certified auditor for the Green Film Rating System in Iceland.
Benefits for the Icelandic Film Industry
The Green Film certification aligns with the objectives of Iceland's 2020-2030 Film Policy, which emphasizes sustainability in filmmaking. The press release states that with the certification of The Mountain, Iceland is positioned to become a leader in sustainable filmmaking, with the goal of encouraging more projects to follow suit. This will not only increase environmental awareness within the industry but also strengthen Iceland's image as a hub of innovation and art.