As the climate crisis grows ever more pressing, every sector has a responsibility to take action. For the film industry, the Sustainability Now! Summit + Expo is an opportunity for independent filmmakers to explore how sustainability can strengthen their productions, local communities, and the industry as a whole.
Scheduled for March 27, 2025, this inaugural event is part of IFA Chicago’s “Business of Film” series and DCASE | Chicago Film Office + Ecofixr’s “Sustainability in Film” initiative. It is a collaborative effort by Independent Film Alliance Chicago, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events | Chicago Film Office, the Chicago Department of Environment, Ecofixr, and One Earth Collective. The goal: to equip filmmakers with the knowledge and tools to reduce environmental impact both on and off screen—without sacrificing creativity or budget.
Thursday, March 27, 2025
Time: 6:00 pm-9:00 pm CDT
Cinespace Studio Chicago
Chicago, IL
The event will feature leading voices in sustainability and filmmaking, including:
Keynote Speakers:
- Jay Jasinski, Environmental Media Association
- Hanako Greensmith, Actor/Environmentalist (pending availability)
- Sophia Vela, Chicago Department of Environment
In addition to expert-led discussions, attendees will engage with sustainability leaders at the Sustainable Table, featuring:
- Conscious Costumes
- Local 600 Sustainability Committee
- Keslow Camera
- One Earth Collective
- Big Delicious Planet
- Creative Chicago Reuse Exchange
- Alt_
For those interested in hands-on solutions, the Power Station Demos will showcase cutting-edge clean energy technologies, with live demonstrations from:
- Core SWX
- Sunbelt Rentals
- Tony Lullo (Chicago Fire)
- Kinowerks/Machina Rentals
This initiative is part of Chicago’s broader push for sustainability, aligning with the City of Chicago’s groundbreaking achievement of transitioning all municipal buildings to be sourced by 100% renewable energy (NPR). As sustainability becomes a greater priority across industries, filmmakers have a chance to be part of this shift—ensuring that independent film production evolves alongside the city’s environmental goals.
As the film industry undergoes rapid transformation—grappling with environmental pressures and shifting production landscapes—Chicago is taking a proactive role in shaping the future. Sustainability Now! Summit + Expo seeks to make film sets greener: securing the future of our industry, our communities, and our planet.
Registration is required. For more information and to secure FREE tickets, visit here
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