Hungary’s film industry is increasingly adopting green practices, driven by the National Film Institute (NFI) and Green Eyes Production through funding incentives and consultancy.
Major studios like Astra Film Land, Korda Studios, and Origo Studios employ eco-friendly technologies and waste management. Educational institutions, notably Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design (MOME), integrate sustainability into curricula.
Challenges persist, including limited recycling infrastructure and the need for stronger regulations.
Biodiversity Protection Rules
Hungary’s laws, including the Nature Conservation Act (1996) and Environmental Protection Act (1995), protect biodiversity through regulations on species, habitats, and sustainable resource use. International commitments include CBD, CITES, and Natura 2000.
National Nature Conservation Laws
Environmental Protection Act (Act LIII of 1995)
Local and Regional Regulations
Guidelines for Film Productions in Protected Areas
Codes of Conduct & Best Practices
Green filming is guided by industry standards and NFI sustainability criteria, integrated into funding programs. Productions follow EU environmental guidelines and Hungary’s new ESG legislation (effective January 2024).
TAX REBATE :
NFI (Hungarian National Film Institute) offers a tax rebate: Films (for cinema and television) produced in Hungary are eligible for a 30 % rebate based on their expenditure (all the direct film production costs) spent in the country.
The incentive is available through local business companies who receive tax relief after their support of films. The financial support is provided in the form of a cash refund (post-financing). The 30% incentive is extendable to 37,5% of the eligible production expense by adding 7, 5% non-Hungarian costs. (The non-Hungarian eligible spend is capped at 25% of the rebate.)
Key stakeholders include government bodies (NFI), private investors, production companies, broadcasters (MTVA), international platforms (Netflix, HBO), and educational institutions like SZFE.
Sources:
Grid Connection and Its Relevance to the Film Industry:
Hungary is increasingly integrating renewable energy sources into its national grid. While renewables currently constitute around 12-15% of the energy mix, their share is growing, particularly in solar energy. Astra operates on 100% green energy.
Hungary’s growing solar energy capacity, which has reached over 3,000 MW, provides an opportunity for productions to make use of renewable power sources, either directly through grid consumption or indirectly by contracting with green energy suppliers.
Availability of electric generators
Hungary lacks a comprehensive battery pack rental network, but rentals from abroad are possible.
Train Travel in Hungary
Availability of electric cars
Charging stations :
Waste Management Framework
Mandatory Separation & Recycling : businesses must sort waste (paper, plastic, metal, glass, organic), especially in urban areas. Their is local selective collection systems in place; and large productions often use third-party services.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Producers are accountable for waste lifecycle, covering collection, recycling, and disposal. Film productions must plan for recyclable/reusable materials (sets, props, costumes).
Hazardous Waste : Requires separate collection, transport, and treatment by licensed companies (e.g., chemicals, batteries, e-waste).
Permits & Reporting : Waste permits required for significant generators and hazardous waste handlers. Businesses must track and report waste activities annually.
Penalties : Non-compliance results in fines, operational restrictions, and regular inspections.
Eco-Friendly Practices in Film : Government promotes sustainable practices: waste reduction, reuse, recycling, eco-materials. Green initiatives can attract local support or incentives.
Relevant waste management companies :
Studios with Green Initiatives
Hungarian Association of Film and Television Producers (MAFSZ): Resources on industry best practices, including sustainability.
Budapest International Documentary Festival (BIDF): Networking platform showcasing Hungarian and international documentaries.
Hungarian Documentary Association (MADOKE): Supports documentary filmmakers with networking, advocacy, and development opportunities.
Hungarian Film and Television Union: Protects labor rights, offers legal advice, and supports professional growth in Hungary’s film industry.
Calculator :
Resources
Hungary reduced emissions by 43% since 1990, surpassing 2030 targets.
Key initiatives include closing the Mátra Power Plant post-2025 and expanding renewable energy, especially solar.
Focus is on a fair transition to mitigate economic impacts
