Bugonia (2025)

The BAFTA 2026 nominated Bugonia is a sci-fi black comedy thriller directed by Yorgos Lanthimos. For Bugonia, sustainability was considered from the earliest stages of production. Filming at Culden Faw Estate, the team worked with ecologists, local experts and sustainability partners to minimise environmental impact, protect wildlife and ensure production materials could continue to be used beyond the shoot.
Planning production with nature in mind
The BAFTA 2026 nominated Bugonia is a sci-fi black comedy thriller directed by Yorgos Lanthimos. For Bugonia, sustainability was considered from the earliest stages of production. Filming at Culden Faw Estate, the team worked with ecologists, local experts and sustainability partners to minimise environmental impact, protect wildlife and ensure production materials could continue to be used beyond the shoot.

Why it’s effective

01.

Protecting the filming location
The production built its key house set at Culden Faw Estate and worked with the local council and independent ecologists to carry out environmental assessments. Measures were introduced to protect wildlife including birds, bats and migrating toads. The team also maintained a strict buffer zone near ancient woodland, installed protective fencing, limited night shoots to reduce disturbance to nocturnal wildlife, and reduced the use of heavy machinery on site.

02.

Creating habitat for pollinators
Beehives were incorporated into the set environment in consultation with local beekeepers and animal welfare experts. A meadow of wildflowers was planted in advance to create a suitable habitat, and hives were positioned away from busy crew areas to allow the bees to acclimatise safely during filming.

03.

Recirculating costumes, props and set decoration
The production partnered with CAMA Asset Management to redistribute costumes, props and set decoration. Items were donated, sold or repurposed through social initiatives, small businesses and prop houses, helping ensure materials remained in use after filming wrapped.

The Impact

127,063 kgCO₂e avoided through the recirculation of costumes, props and set decoration assets.
127,063
32.209 m³ of materials diverted from landfill
32.209 m³
To avoid disturbing the bird breeding season, the production delayed striking the set for six months. This meant continuing to rent the location from September to February at a cost of £60,000, ensuring nesting wildlife was not disrupted.
£60,000
Donated items included bikes for a community bike park that provides training and riding opportunities for local people, as well as furniture and household items for a local cancer charity whose retail stores raise funds for community support services.
Locals
“BUGONIA delivers a clear environmental message, emphasising the profound impact of human decisions on the natural world. Having BAFTA Albert certification was of the utmost important to this production and helped us to elevate our sustainability standards as we considered our impact at every stage of the project, from pre-production through to wrap. Albert was incredibly supportive of us on this project, and it was an extremely encouraging engagement”
Element Pictures

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