Creating an environment for change

By Hope Cook - Programming Assistant, Showroom Cinema

We have seen an increased demand for films that tackle environmental concerns and climate change issues over the past few months here at Showroom Cinema. Our BFI Young Programmers festival featured an environmental stream, we screened Sheffield documentary The Felling in December and the recent Glasgow Film Festival’s premiere of How to Blow Up a Pipeline, resonated with audiences, so much that we’re inviting it back for a return in April.

Combining environmental films with an opportunity for discussion, we’re excited to connect people who are concerned with the climate crisis to those on the front lines attempting to make the world a better place. Film and media can play a large part in helping people stay informed, remain inspired and hopeful for a better future for our environment, both locally and on a global scale.

We will be hosting two environmentally-focused one-off screenings, both with equally powerful messages. On Thursday 23 March, we are screening High Water, Common Ground in collaboration with Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust. The screening will be followed by a film discussion with a panel of experts, including Keith Tomkins - Sheffield Lakeland Landscape Manager, and filmmaker Andrew Clark.

The fascinating documentary visits the communities most affected by flooding, examines the needs of the parties involved, and explores some of the most innovative methods of flood risk management using real examples from around the country. The screening will be followed by a short film from the local Working with Water project which highlights successful flood management techniques being implemented Yorkshire.

Another upcoming film is Finite: The Climate of Change on Saturday 25 March, featuring an introduction and Q&A with director Rich Felgate. This British documentary tracks the work of protesters in the UK and Germany fighting to prevent the development of new coal mines. The release of this film comes at a crucial time following the government’s announcement that the first coal mine in 30 years is to open in Cumbria.

Knowing what to do as individuals about global issues on our doorstep can feel overwhelming. With this in mind, we feel it is all the more poignant to show films that inspire hope, despite the David and Goliath-sized battles between frontline communities, activists and fossil fuel corporations.

High Water, Common Ground + Panel Discussion screens on Thursday 23 March and Finite: The Climate of Change + Q&A opens at Showroom Cinema on the 25 March. Tickets are on sale now at: showroomworkstation.org.uk/cinema