According to Wangari Maathai, “Artists and entertainers are the storytellers of our time. As they weave narratives of joy and sorrow, they are also crafting a tale of environmental responsibility. The evolution towards sustainability in South Africa’s entertainment industry is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling.” Over the years, the entertainment industry in South Africa has experienced a remarkable transformation that includes the adoption of sustainable practices in addition to artistic expressions and cultural diversity.
In 2019, the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) published a report on the state of the country’s creative economy, which highlighted the need for sustainable practices in the industry. The development of sustainable practices in the South African entertainment sector is explored in this article, which also provides examples and important initiatives that demonstrate the industry’s dedication to environmental responsibility.
Early efforts and benchmarks
Many innovative initiatives launched the South African entertainment industry’s journey towards sustainability in the early 2000s. The Cape Town International Film Festival was among the first organisations to support environmentally friendly practices, having launched a “Green Carpet” programme in 2007. Celebrities and attendees were encouraged by this initiative to offset their carbon emissions and walk a green carpet made of recycled materials.
Film productions that embrace sustainable practices can receive financial incentives through the Green Shoot program, which was introduced in 2009 by the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF). The award-winning movie “Tsotsi” is among the productions that the programme has been successful in encouraging to go green.
Greening Events and Productions: Using environmentally friendly techniques in event planning and film production has been a big step towards sustainability in the South African entertainment sector. Sustainable features like waste minimization, energy-efficient lighting, and environmentally friendly materials are becoming more and more commonplace in event planning. Distinguished instances comprise the Greenpop Festival held in Cape Town, wherein environmentally conscious measures are incorporated into every facet of the occasion, ranging from energy procurement to waste management.
Integration of Renewable Energy: The entertainment sector uses a lot of energy since it needs power for equipment, lighting, and sound systems. Some South African venues and production companies have responded to this by embracing renewable energy sources. To lessen dependency on non-renewable energy, buildings are being equipped with solar panels, wind turbines, and other clean energy technologies. For example, the well-known Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts have effectively reduced their environmental impact by using solar-powered stages.
Sustainable Film Productions: The value of incorporating sustainability into its operations has also been acknowledged by the South African film industry. The environmental impact of film productions is well known due to their large sets, lengthy travel, and resource-intensive procedures. On the other hand, some filmmakers have embraced environmentally friendly practices, like promoting sustainable transportation options, employing carbon offset programmes, and building sets out of recycled materials. The effectiveness of these programmes has not only lessened the environmental impact of the industry but also served as a model for other industries.
Eco-conscious Fashion in the Entertainment Sector: There has been a noticeable shift in the fashion industry towards eco-consciousness within the South African entertainment sector. Responsible fabric sourcing, ethical production methods, and sustainable materials are becoming more and more popular choices among stylists and designers. Through their eco-friendly attire on the red carpet and in public, South African celebrities have also been instrumental in advancing sustainable fashion. This change has affected consumer behaviour towards more sustainable options, in addition to increasing awareness.
Environmental Education in the Arts: Incorporating environmental education into artistic and entertainment programmes has gained more attention in the past few years. Sustainability themes are finding their way into the curriculums and performances of theatres, schools, and other cultural institutions. This cultivates a new generation of environmentally and socially conscious artists and entertainers, in addition to educating the general public.
Sustainable Venue Management and Design: The entertainment industry places a high priority on sustainability. In South Africa, numerous locations have undergone renovations to integrate waste management systems, energy-efficient technologies, and green building practices. Furthermore, eco-friendly landscaping and water conservation are examples of sustainable venue management techniques that help to lessen the overall environmental impact of entertainment events.
Conservation Partnerships: Forming alliances with environmental conservation groups is another admirable development in the South African entertainment sector. Celebrities and entertainment businesses have partnered with non-governmental organisations and campaigns aimed at protecting wildlife, preserving habitats, and raising public awareness of climate change. These partnerships use the entertainment industry’s power and reach to increase public awareness and financial support for important environmental causes.
Recent developments and key players
All facets of the South African entertainment industry have seen a rise in the use of sustainable practices in recent years. Among the significant advancements are:
The Rise of Environmentally Conscious Production Companies: Production companies like GreenSet and WrapZERO have made a name for themselves in the sustainable filmmaking space. These businesses offer producers the know-how and tools they need to reduce their environmental impact.
Adoption of Sustainable Technologies: To use less energy and water, production is increasingly utilising water-saving technologies, solar panels, and LED lighting.
The emphasis is on waste reduction. To cut down on waste generation, producers are putting recycling and composting programmes in place.
The greening of festivals and events: Compostable plates and cups, recycling options, and carbon offsets are just a few of the sustainable measures that music festivals and other events are implementing.
In addition, the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) has taken several environmentally friendly steps, such as providing recycling facilities, offsetting its carbon emissions, and powering the festival village with solar energy.
The Splashy Fen Music Festival and the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden have partnered to make the festival more environmentally friendly. In addition to recycling waste and using compostable cups and plates, the festival offsets its carbon emissions.
In order to reduce its carbon footprint, the Johannesburg International Comedy Festival has teamed up with Trees for Africa to plant trees throughout the city.
Obstacles and Prospects for the Future
In spite of the encouraging developments, the South African entertainment sector still has obstacles in its way of completely adopting sustainable practices. Obstacles include a lack of awareness, financial limitations, and the requirement for more extensive regulations. Nonetheless, the industry’s dedication to sustainability is encouraging, and continued efforts to address these issues will probably help to create a future in which environmental responsibility is prioritised.
The development of environmentally friendly practices in the South African entertainment sector is indicative of a growing understanding of the sector’s environmental impact and a dedication to reducing it. A culture of environmental responsibility is being fostered by the industry through various initiatives, such as greening events and sustainable fashion promotion. The South African entertainment industry’s journey towards sustainability is a source of inspiration as the world struggles with urgent ecological issues. It shows that, even in the field of creativity and expression, a harmonious balance with the environment is not only possible but essential for a sustainable future.
