• Sustainable finance

Mobilising and taking action for tomorrow’s societal challenges, from data centers to cinema screens

Published Today

As a major player in the real economy, BNP Paribas engages with every facet of society, supporting a wide range of projects - from the most obvious to the most unexpected. Did you know that in Europe, BNP Paribas is not only a leader in banking and financial services, but also the leading bank for the film industry? This diversity places the Group in a unique position to support the transition of all its clients and to shine a spotlight on positive impact initiatives, increasing their visibility and sharing inspiring, sustainable achievements - both in real life and through storytelling.

Supporting changemakers mobilised to reinvent a more sustainable world

In the face of multiple crises, supporting those who imagine a more sustainable world — and who are taking concrete action to bring it to life at their own scale — has never been more essential. BNP Paribas supports : impact-driven entrepreneurs who design and implement innovative solutions; major companies undergoing transformation; as well as individuals who explore the world of tomorrow through their creative work. The Group finances filmmakers and content creators whose inspiring narratives encourage audiences to engage and take informed action. This commitment to strengthening social cohesion also extends to the non-profit sector. Launched in autumn 2025, the BNP Paribas Foundation’s civic engagement programme aims to reinforce social cohesion and combat disinformation, enabling non-profit and education professionals to equip young people with the tools to identify fake news and use social media responsibly.

"Imagination is a powerful driver of transformation, capable of rallying people around societal causes such as sustainable development. Nothing is more impactful than sharing stories that reshape perceptions and inspire change. That is why BNP Paribas supports creators who highlight solutions — for example by reframing ecology not as a constraint, but as an opportunity to live better together."
Marie-Sophie Joubert
Director of Influence, Next-Generation Media and Platforms at BNP Paribas

Concrete examples of new narratives showcased at the "Imaginaries of Tomorrow" event at the BNP Paribas Pathé cinema

At a time when the ecological transition requires profound changes in mindsets and operating models, storytelling plays a key role in highlighting new creators and protagonists, while helping the public reflect on what a desirable future could look like.

Mobilising through reality

Committed director and producer Craig Leeson presented two episodes of the documentary series Journey to Solutions, supported by BNP Paribas CIB. The episodes focused on two companies: Coats, a textile industry client supported by the Bank in its transition, and Lefdal Mine Data Centers, a data-storage provider supporting BNP Paribas’ own transition towards a more sustainable data infrastructure. His approach was to go back to the root of the challenges by investigating thread — without which there would be no textiles or clothing — and data centers, which lie at the heart of the digital ecosystem and artificial intelligence. These documentaries showcase concrete solutions, encouraging audiences to consider the transition at their own level and demonstrating that innovative ideas can be translated into successful, large-scale industrial applications.

Raising awareness through fiction and entertainment

Social-media entertainment content creator Wiizmane premiered the first episode of his animated series The Cursed SmartFun... Up to date, but at what price?, supported by BNP Paribas. Blending humour with awareness-raising, the series addresses responsible consumption and the circular economy, shedding light on the overconsumption of digital devices and the importance of prioritising repairability.

Long before the rise of content creators, BNP Paribas was already actively supporting the film industry. Through its Image and Media Business Centre and specialised subsidiaries Cofiloisirs and Cinécapital, the Group is a key player in European cinema, financing an average of 250 films each year. BNP Paribas is committed to promoting positive-impact cinema by supporting inspiring and educational content, while also encouraging more eco-responsible film production. For example, Cofiloisirs has allocated a 500,000-euro budget over five years to support films achieving the highest eco-scores under the Eco-prod label.

"We are seeing a clear evolution in narrative approaches. Cinécapital has, for instance, supported films such as The Night of the 12th, A Little Something Extra and The Green Deal. These films resonated strongly with audiences, who recognise the authenticity of their creators in tackling major societal issues such as violence against women, ecology and inclusivity."

Diane Cesbron

Chief Executive Officer, Cinécapital

How can we reinvent ourselves to build better? 

The Living Tomorrow event at the Villa Medici brought together clients and partners - committed entrepreneurs and builders, artists and creators - alongside BNP Paribas experts to collectively reflect on housing and “living together” projects. This partnership between BNP Paribas and this distinctive French cultural institution in Rome created a poetic pause in time, offering space to step back and develop concrete solutions by placing creativity, dialogue and people at the centre - all with the ambition of imagining the city of tomorrow.

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