Search begins for new ‘sponsors’ for film festival made with cell phones

In recent years, environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria have become a fundamental pillar for the growth and sustainability of companies. Increasingly, consumers prefer to purchase products and services from companies that are committed to responsible and sustainable initiatives. According to a study by Edelman, 58% of consumers choose products from companies that support social and environmental causes.

(Read: The challenges that Colombian companies expect to face in the coming years).

Likewise, it has been shown that, Integrating ESG criteria into organizations also influences the financial growth of the company, since 88% of investors take these types of actions into account when making investment decisions.. However, it is not enough to implement these initiatives, since to obtain the desired impact, it is crucial that companies know how to communicate them effectively to their stakeholders.

In Colombia, more than 90 companies have been promoting their corporate social responsibility initiatives in recent years through platforms such as Smartfilms. This cell phone film festival, billed as the largest and most inclusive in the world, provides a great opportunity for companies to show their commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability through creative short films.

(See: Business bets on the Copa América to increase sales).

Yesenia Valencia, CEO and founder of the festival, explains that although the call for sponsors of the 2024 edition has just closed, they have already officially opened the call for new companies that wish to be part of the 2025 edition.

“Companies that participate will be able to connect with a diverse audience of more than 50,000 prosumers, mostly young people, who not only consume the brands’ content, but also generate it, given that Smartfilms becomes a bridge between brands, institutions governments or NGOs, and their clients, consumers, affiliates or any target audience”points out Valencia.

In addition, it highlights that this platform allows companies to conquer a consolidated community for 10 years, transforming its members into brand ambassadors. Since, depending on the category supported by the company, it establishes the challenge that the participants must take on, thus delivering a message that they receive, understand, appropriate and disseminate.

(Also: The most influential players and teams of the Copa América on social networks).

“We thank all the companies that joined the 2024 edition of the festival. Their participation has been key to the democratization of cinema. By supporting new talents in the seventh art, sponsoring companies are helping to open doors for emerging filmmakers who, Otherwise, they would not have access to these resources and opportunities. Furthermore, their support also promotes social transformation in Colombia through the promotion of their environmental, social and governance actions, inspiring other organizations, and society in general to adopt. more sustainable and responsible practices”, highlights the founder of the festival.

Likewise, it invites new organizations, companies or government entities to join the festival as sponsors of one of its categories in next year’s event. Companies interested in participating can register through smartfilms.com.co/patrocinador.

“Together, we can continue to demonstrate that the future of cinema is in the hands of those who dare to explore new forms of storytelling and break traditional barriers,” adds Valencia.

Since its inception, companies from various sectors such as Transmilenio, Monticello, Motorola, CHEC, Exeltis or the Ministry of ICT have joined Smartfilms, supporting thousands of young people, fans, people with disabilities, women, entrepreneurs and industry professionals audiovisual. At the same time, these organizations have obtained great exposure through the festival, promoting both their corporate values ​​and their products and services.