Goethe-Institut

The Science Film Festival and the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs)

The Science Film Festival, organized by the Goethe-Institut, is more than just a film festival - it is an international education initiative that makes science accessible and engaging. By combining films with interactive learning activities, it fosters scientific literacy, critical thinking, and environmental awareness among young audiences. The festival’s themes and outreach efforts align closely with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), contributing to global education and sustainability efforts.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being

Public health, nutrition, and well-being are recurring themes in the Science Film Festival. The 2021 edition, themed "Better Health through Better Understanding," specifically highlighted global health challenges and scientific solutions. Whether addressing air pollution, mental health, or the spread of diseases, the festival raises awareness of how science and innovation improve lives.

SDG 4 – Quality Education

Education is at the core of the Science Film Festival’s mission. The festival provides free access to high-quality educational films, ensuring that students, teachers, and communities, particularly in underprivileged regions, benefit from engaging and accessible science learning. Accompanying learning materials, workshops, and educator training programs further support STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, making complex scientific topics more understandable and relatable.

SDG 5 – Gender Equality

The Science Film Festival actively promotes gender equality in STEM education. The 2022 edition, themed "Equal Opportunities in Science," focused on breaking barriers and increasing diversity in science and technology. The festival selects films that highlight female scientists, engineers, and environmentalists as role models, while outreach programs and workshops encourage young girls to explore careers in STEM. These efforts contribute to closing the gender gap and fostering inclusivity in scientific fields.

SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy

Sustainability and climate change have been recurring themes at the Science Film Festival, with a strong focus on renewable energy and environmental solutions. In 2013, the festival highlighted "Clean Energy and Sustainability" as its central theme, emphasizing the importance of transitioning to greener technologies. Many films explore renewable energy solutions, energy efficiency, and innovative approaches to reducing carbon footprints, encouraging young people to explore careers in energy and sustainability.

SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth

By promoting scientific literacy and problem-solving skills, the Science Film Festival prepares young people for the jobs of the future, particularly in the green economy and sustainable industries. Many participating countries integrate festival content into career-focused education programs, helping students explore green jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities in science and technology.

SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

Innovation is a key focus of the festival, with films highlighting scientific advancements, technological breakthroughs, and engineering solutions that drive progress in various fields. The festival inspires curiosity and interest in research, engineering, and digital transformation, particularly through its partnerships with technology companies, universities, and research institutions.

SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

As urbanization continues to grow, cities face challenges related to pollution, transportation, and waste management. The festival features films and activities that showcase sustainable urban development, smart city innovations, and community-driven solutions to environmental problems. It also encourages young audiences to think critically about how science and technology can improve city life.

SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production

The festival educates audiences on the importance of sustainable consumption, circular economy principles, and waste reduction. Films addressing plastic pollution, food waste, and resource efficiency encourage behavioral changes and inspire local initiatives to reduce environmental footprints. Hands-on activities complement these topics by demonstrating how small actions can contribute to big change.

SDG 13 – Climate Action

Climate change is one of the most pressing global challenges, and the festival plays a crucial role in raising awareness and promoting climate action. Films on topics like global warming, carbon footprints, and ecosystem conservation help audiences understand the science behind climate change and the urgency of taking action. Connected educational programs offer practical ways for individuals and communities to contribute to climate solutions.

SDG 14 – Life Below Water

The health of oceans and marine life is a recurring theme in the festival, with films addressing overfishing, coral reef destruction, plastic pollution, and ocean conservation. In 2012, the festival collaborated with the UN Decade on Water, emphasizing the critical role of water conservation and sustainable management of marine ecosystems.

SDG 15 – Life on Land

The festival highlights the importance of biodiversity, deforestation, and conservation efforts through films about wildlife protection, sustainable agriculture, and reforestation projects. In 2010, the festival collaborated with the UN Year on Biodiversity, followed by a cooperation with the UN International Year of Forests in 2011. More recently, in 2023, the festival supported the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, reinforcing the urgent need to restore degraded landscapes and protect natural habitats.

SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals

The Science Film Festival thrives through international collaboration, bringing together government institutions, NGOs, educational organizations, media partners, and private sector sponsors to promote science literacy and sustainability education. By fostering cross-sector partnerships, the festival amplifies its impact and extends its reach to millions of viewers across more than 20 countries.

By aligning with these Sustainable Development Goals, the Science Film Festival not only educates and entertains but also empowers audiences to take action for a sustainable future. Through film and interactive learning, it inspires the next generation of scientists, innovators, and changemakers to tackle global challenges with knowledge and creativity.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Das Science Film Festival und die Nachhaltigkeitsziele (SDGs)