“If the World Health Organization’s recommendations on access to green spaces were followed, 43,000 deaths per year could be prevented in European cities, and national public healthcare services could save hundreds of euros per person.” These were the words of Matilda van den Bosch, senior researcher at the European Forest Institute, speaking yesterday at the talk “Ecological Corridors and Green Infrastructure: How Biodiversity Affects Our Lives ” as part of Cinema In Verde, the international film festival taking center stage at the Rome Botanical Garden until Sunday, September 22.
“Green spaces in cities are not just an aesthetic element: they are essential for improving public health and reducing government spending,” explained Matilda van den Bosch. “Urban green areas help reduce risk factors such as obesity, depression, heart disease, asthma, and cancer while improving sleep quality, memory, and overall well-being.”
The talk also featured Eva Alessi, Sustainability Manager at WWF, Luca Ruini, Vice President HSE&E of the Barilla Group, and Fabio Attorre, Director of the Rome Botanical Garden.
Today, Saturday, September 21, finance takes center stage with the talk “Green (in) Finance” at 5:00 PM, focusing on the social and environmental value of finance from a sustainability perspective. The discussion will be led by two industry experts with different approaches: Elena Shneiwer from Cassa Depositi e Prestiti and Martina Rogato, Founder of ESG Boutique.
On Sunday, September 22, the awards ceremony will feature director Paolo Virzì, actor Lino Guanciale, and the Mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri.
Among the competing films, “White Plastic Sky” transports viewers to a future where humans transform into trees as a means of survival. “Europa” explores the conflict between profit and local culture in Albania, while “I Saw Three Black Lights” and “The Little Gang” take audiences deep into nature-rooted narratives—set in the Colombian jungle and a fight against polluting factories, respectively. “Luzzu” follows a fishing community in Malta struggling with environmental changes, while “Disco Afrika” examines corruption and inequality through the eyes of a young African protagonist.
A distinguished jury will evaluate the films in competition, presided over by Paolo Virzì and including Lino Guanciale, journalist Laura Delli Colli, environmentalist Rossella Muroni, and sustainability-focused influencer Sofia Pasotto. Their votes will determine the winner of the prestigious Golden Ginkgo Award for the best film addressing environmental themes.
A new feature of this edition is the “Germogli” Jury, composed of university students and organized in collaboration with GSE – Gestore dei Servizi Energetici, a scientific partner of the festival. This group of passionate young individuals will present the Germogli Prize to the film that best represents the challenges and innovative solutions in the context of ecological transition.
