18 Holes to Paradise is the first Portuguese project to be certified by Green Film, an international initiative that recognises environmentally responsible film and television productions. The feature film, directed by João Nuno Pinto and produced by Wonder Maria Films, is supported by Pic Portugal – Cash Rebate Incentive.
“Since the film addresses climate issues, it made perfect sense for us to adopt more sustainable practices during its production,” explains Andreia Nunes, producer and co-founder of Wonder Maria Films. The film follows the final summer gathering of a family preparing to sell an old Alentejo estate when a wildfire devastates the region.
The team adhered to Green Film guidelines, ensuring a concrete method to measure the production’s environmental impact. “Thanks to this certification, we have become the first Portuguese film to obtain it, an achievement we are extremely proud of,” says Andreia, adding that this co-production between Portugal, Italy, and Argentina is currently in post-production.
Commitment to sustainability
Last year, environmental sustainability criteria were introduced into the regulations of both Pic Portugal incentives, leading to 46% of applications submitted for the Cash Rebate Incentive including environmental sustainability plans.
For the Cash Refund Incentive, several submitted applications also presented such plans, which may be followed by an environmental audit of the production—potentially adding two extra points to the evaluation.
As part of its ongoing efforts to promote environmental sustainability, the Portugal Film Commission will host the Green Film Lab workshop in Lisbon at the beginning of November. Organised by the Torino Film Lab, this training programme focuses on sustainable practices for European industry professionals and sustainability managers.
Over three days, participants will learn the best ways to implement sustainable measures related to energy efficiency, transport, accommodation, catering, set decoration, waste management, recycling, and communication.
