European Short Pitch is firmly committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity while tackling pressing ecological challenges. With a strong emphasis on sustainability and representation, we actively integrate diverse voices and environmentally responsible practices into every aspect of our work. Our dedication to sustainability has been recognized with the prestigious Greener Event Improvers Certification, awarded by  A Greener Future  (AGF), acknowledging our rigorous efforts across key areas such as transport, energy, waste, water usage, and local environmental impact.

SUSTAINABILITY

At European Short Pitch, we prioritise sustainable and environmentally respectful choices across all our activities:

Mobility & Travel:
We minimise our carbon footprint by conducting training sessions online and organising the Coproduction Forum in a hybrid format. This approach reduces the need for travel while allowing wider participation from professionals across Europe and beyond. When in-person events occur, we select locations with excellent rail connectivity. For example, 100% of the core team has travelled to the Coproduction Forum by train from 2021 onwards and we plan the same practice for the future editions in Leiden, Netherlands. We also ensure all on-site activities are within walking distance.

Catering:
We focus on sustainability in catering by using local, organic produce and offering vegetarian meals as the default. We also reduce waste by limiting the use of tableware and providing free drinking water. 

Printing & Merchandise:
To reduce our environmental impact, all submissions and communications are digital. We avoid printing materials like invitations or catalogues and refrain from producing any merchandise.

Digital Tools & Remote Working:
Our decentralised team operates remotely, reducing the need for commuting and physical office space. We use digital platforms to facilitate virtual pitches and project management.

Sharing Knowledge:
We provide our participants with resources and guidance on developing their films sustainably, ensuring they have the tools to incorporate green practices from the start. For example, at the ESP Coproduction Forum 2022|23, we had a dedicated panel presenting ways to implement sustainable mechanisms already at the development stage of the project. 

INCLUSIVITY

European Short Pitch is committed to inclusivity, welcoming diverse projects and participants from various cultural backgrounds across Europe and beyond. Over the past years, the approx. 16 participants selected annually were coming from an average of 15 different European countries, and we have welcomed several Europe-produced projects by Europe-based extra-European filmmakers, staying open to cinematic perspectives from the rest of the world – last editions' line-up was complemented with participants, from as far as South Africa, Australia, Canada, Morocco, Brazil, China, Iraq, and Egypt. 

Diverse Selection:
We focus on representing a wide range of voices, particularly those from underrepresented regions and minority groups. Our recent selections have highlighted topics such as LGBTQ+ experiences, women’s emancipation, mental health, and political dissidence. We truly believe that by presenting these topics and supporting these stories, we can make a change, as it is crucial to see them in the media. 

Gender Balance:
The selection line-up of European Short Pitch is determined by a strong presence of female (62% in 2022|23 and 65% in 2023|24) and includes non-binary (12,5% in 2021|22 and in 2022|23) artists and professionals. We maintain strong gender representation, with a consistent 50% female filmmaker presence and non-binary inclusion. Our pedagogical team also reflects this balance. In terms of concrete objectives for the next two years, we aim at: maintaining the admirable standards of gender balance our line-up had in the last years and maintaining an approx. 50% female representation in the pedagogical team.

Hybrid Accessibility:
Our hybrid format makes the event accessible to those with physical limitations and varying financial capacities, ensuring broad participation. 

Mental Health Support:
We recognise the challenges of entering the film industry and strive to create a supportive environment. We want ESP to serve as a safe space for all our participants (that we accompany in the context of European Short Pitch over a period of 6 months): already during previous editions we have organised internal meetings to informally answer any questions they might have about the industry, discuss their perceived vulnerabilities as newcomers, etc. We have also taken into account the feedback of the previous participants and have made the necessary adjustments, such as providing the schedule as early as possible and organising the training part in a more relaxed timeline, thus providing the participants with more time and dedicated space to process the newly gained knowledge in a calm manner that doesn't clash with their day-to-day work, thus also making the event more inclusive.

In the coming years, we aim to maintain these high standards, focusing on gender balance, geographic diversity, and mental health support, ensuring European Short Pitch remains an inclusive and sustainable event.