For the first time in 2018, we built temporary theaters and promotional structures using reusable scaffolding. Vinyl tents and wooden structures used by most festivals create much garbage and waste once the event is finished, but UMFF continues to use the scaffolding first used back in 2018. Even though the same material is being used again in 2022, new design and composition will create a totally different film festival space.

In 2019, we began using unique materials such as IBC water tanks to build a film festival with creative areas, including the rest area and lighting. We continue to develop innovative ideas to reuse our materials every year.

UMFF and “Musosoklab,” who first proposed and designed the eco-friendly methods such as the scaffolding and IBC water tanks, were recognized for the eco-friendly festival and received the Grand Prize in the Project Section at the 2020 Korean Public Design Awards.

We began to brainstorm ideas on how to minimize the tons of waste created by the promotional material that couldn’t be reused like the scaffolding.

The first step was the upcycling project, where we would create something new with used promotional material. We upcycled the holographic film paper used in 2018 to create items like keyrings and bags in partnership with Patagonia and Ramadang. We have since been using materials better suited for upcycling like mesh and tarpaulin to create more upcycled items for promotion. Ulsan’s youth designer brand “Don’t Ask My Plan” has worked with UMFF to design and create upcycled souvenir bags and pouches every year.

Along with upcycling to make use of spent materials, we are working on a pre-cycling project to produce promotional material created to last and not be thrown away. These pre-cycled items have a future purpose planned from the get-go, and will add to the enjoyment of the film festival to return next year as a product with renewed value.

At the 7th UMFF, you’ll see bags made from the Tyvek banners and mesh fences used at the 6th UMFF. In addition, last year’s information signs will be used as rest area flat benches this year.

In 2022, we want to create a festival that truly minimizes waste.

Disposable plastic containers, plastic bags, and paper containers used in our eating areas remain there even after the festival is over. The pandemic has caused decreased eating and drinking during the festival, but also created an increase in disposable products impacting our environment.

To minimize disposable products ruining our natural environment, UMFF is working with Trashbusters, a company that rents and collects reusable containers. Rather than using disposable containers and cups, please use the supplied tableware at food stations during the film festival. You may also bring your own tumblers or containers.

In addition to food stations, there will be many other ways to reduce waste during the film festival. Working to save the earth, “Jigumalgeum” will host a 21% Party, a project to donate unused hiking outfits to those in need, and Sangbuk-myeon residents will work to create zero food waste through “Suppermarket” (compound word mixing “forest” and market”), by selling produce in small quantities.