From publications to protest: should scientists be climate activists? - via Festival of Ideas
2026-07-04 15:30 - 16:30 UTC | Picturehouse, Hunter St, Chester
In 2022, nine British researchers fly-post a government building with scientific papers presenting stark evidence of human-induced climate change. They are arrested and charged with criminal damage. By turns pacy and pensive, short documentary ‘Plan Z’ explores their motivations for engaging in civil disobedience, and asks: what is the professional responsibility of scientists towards the public in the 21st century? Stay for the post-screening Q&A with local experts to form your own conclusions.
The panel for the event will be:

Vladimir Morozov – Vladimir Morozov is co-director of Plan Z and a photographer and videographer specialising in multi-camera, multi-location productions, livestreaming, and hybrid events. Alongside his filmmaking, he explores new ways to connect audiences with real-world issues through media. His work examines how storytelling, technology, and civil disobedience intersect in response to the climate crisis.
Dr Abi Perrin – Dr Abi Perrin is a research scientist turned climate and nature communicator and activist. After more than a decade studying microbial life, Abi now aims to bring science out of the lab and into the spaces it most urgently needs to be understood and acted upon. Her current focus is on creating empowering science-based trainings and workshops for a range of audiences, alongside establishing community renewable energy projects and networks for change in her home city of York.
Dr Jen Murphy – Jen is an educator and lover of the outdoors. A member of Scientists on Survival, she currently works as a secondary school science teacher bringing sustainability and climate education into all areas of her practice.

plan-z-film.co.uk
Speaker

Louisa Jones

Power Station - Film
2026-07-04 19:30 - 22:00 | St Columba’s R.C, Plas Newton Lane, Chester, CH2 1SA
Cheshire West and Chester Green Party invite you to a screening of “Power Station”, a *fantastically enjoyable* film telling the true story of a North London neighbourhood raising funds to put roof-mounted solar panels onto two terraced streets.

This community screening is on the evening of Sat 4th July 7.30-10.00pm, at St Columba’s R.C. Church, Chester.

Rob Hopkins, of Transition Networks, says… “I can’t recommend this film enough. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll kickstart a community-led renewable energy revolution”.”

This documentary follows the attempts by Hilary Powell and Dan Edelstyn to turn their Walthamstow street into an energy-generating collection of solar-powered Power Stations – a prototype for a new way of living, with the hope of galvanising a wider push towards sustainable alternatives.
The film documents Hilary and Dan pitching the idea to their neighbours, sleeping on the roof of their home to raise money and launching a bid for a Christmas number one single. The film will be followed by a panel discussion, and there will non alcoholic refreshments available before and after the film
