The 23rd Seoul International Environmental Film Festival (SIEFF), hosted by the Environmental Foundation, successfully concluded its outdoor event, 'Green Cinema Picnic,' on June 23 at Yeouido Hangang Park. Organized in collaboration with eco-friendly lifestyle brand BEYOND under the theme 'This Summer, the Slowest Picnic at Yeouido Hangang Park,' the event drew crowds with a blend of films, music, and diverse eco-conscious activities. Participants enjoyed a special time relaxing amidst urban nature, reflecting on the value of sustainable living.
An Urban Picnic Fostering Environmental Harmony
The 'Green Cinema Picnic,' a special side event of the 23rd Seoul International Environmental Film Festival (SIEFF) hosted by the Environmental Foundation, successfully concluded on June 23 at the Waterlight Stage Plaza in Yeouido Hangang Park. Collaborating with eco-friendly lifestyle brand BEYOND, the event was themed 'This Summer, the Slowest Picnic at Yeouido Hangang Park.' It offered citizens a unique urban picnic experience, harmoniously blending film, music, and various eco-friendly activities.
Attendees relaxed on the green grass, enjoying diverse programs that highlighted the precious value of the environment. Amidst their busy daily lives, they took a meaningful pause to connect with nature and expand their understanding of sustainable living.
Engaging Activities for Sustainable Living
The 'Green Cinema Picnic' offered a variety of interactive content, allowing participants to directly experience a sustainable lifestyle, co-created by SIEFF and BEYOND. Based on BEYOND's brand philosophy of 'Inspiration from Nature' and 'Sustainable Beauty,' attendees engaged in the 'BEYOND Signature Sachet Making' activity, creating fragrant sachets and gaining a hands-on understanding of sustainability.
Beyond these, exciting programs such as an upcycling booth, where discarded sock remnants were transformed into keyrings and tea coasters, a knitting experience booth, and an LP music bar booth offered visitors unique enjoyment. On-site events also awarded generous prizes, including vegan food coupons, beverages, and postcards, to citizens who participated in BEYOND's promotional booth activities, experiential programs, or surveys. Furthermore, participants were encouraged to embrace eco-friendly practices in their daily lives through initiatives like an 'empty bottle return campaign,' which offered BEYOND product samples for submitted empty bottles, and incentives such as event merchandise and sponsored gifts for those who brought reusable lunchboxes or tumblers.
Outdoor Film Screenings Dive into Environmental Themes
A major highlight of the event was the outdoor screening of seven environmental short films. The selected films included 'Protecting 1837 Tiffany Blue,' 'Good Luck to Everyone,' 'Doraeji,' 'My Knitting Club,' 'Atacama Fashion Week,' 'Sikokinngeesaannasuk: The Sea That Will Not Freeze Again,' and 'Beyond 1.5.'
These films deeply explored a wide range of environmental issues, including the climate crisis, biodiversity, resource circulation, and community, offering audiences new perspectives and opportunities for deep empathy regarding environmental challenges. Watching the films under the night sky of the Hangang River, participants had a reflective time to reconsider the importance of environmental conservation and humanity's role.
