On 14th May 2026 at Department in Ryde there will be a screening of the documentary film “Power Station”.
About the film
On the face of it this is a film about people fund raising to get solar panels installed into one street in one part of London.
However, it’s just as much about how an atomised community can come together around a shared goal and collaborate to create a positive outcome for everyone. And how along the way new friendships can be forged and lessons learnt that enrich and empower people and their wider communities.
A portrait of community and possibility
The film makers say:
Two artists in Walthamstow set out to take their street off the grid, kickstarting a solar-powered energy revolution.
Inspired by lockdown mutual aid initiatives, artist-activists Hilary Powell and Dan Edelstyn decided to turn their street into an energy-generating powerhouse – a prototype for a new way of living, with the hope of galvanising a wider push towards sustainable alternatives.
Directed by the duo, POWER STATION charts their turbulent journey, from pitching the idea to their neighbours and sleeping on the roof of their home, to raising finance and launching a bid for a Christmas number one single.
By turns funny and heartwarming, Powell and Edelstyn’s film is a vibrant portrait of their local neighbourhood, and a charming testament to the power of art in changing minds about what could be possible.
Event details
Doors at 6pm, film from 6.30pm until 8pm. After the film and until 9pm there will be an open forum to discuss community projects that you might be working on or have in mind.
Refreshments will be available before and after the screening.
Tickets and supporters
The screening is supported by Together for Mission Zero and Wight Community Energy.
Tickets (£6) are available directly from Department’s online Box Office.
News shared by Stephen, in his own words. Ed
