If “be the change you want to see was a documentary” then Power Station is a perfect example of this. Power Station is a story of community and energy both of people and from the sun.
Power Station follows artist and artist activists, Hilary Powell and Dan Edelstyn who during lockdown attemp to turn their street into an energy generating power station in order for the whole community to benefit from reduced energy costs. This isn’t just a story of turning a pipe dream into reality but an important testimony to a moment of time, the pandemic, filled with such uncertainty that two people held onto something real; hope and the human spirit. We watch them try to convince their neighbours of this idea, sleeping on their roof for 23 nights in winter to raise funds, and even launching a bid for a Christmas number one single. There are some really poignant moments in the document including some of the neighbour’s standing outside Dorothy’s house as she turned 100 and received a telegram from the Queen.
Did they succeed? To a degree yes because they raised awareness, galvanised their community and stayed strong. I am not sure I could have done the entire 23 days on the roof in the winter. Until now, Hilary and Dan have crowdfunded £400,000 in total and transformed their street (and five local schools) into a renewable power station. Twenty households are now saving 30% on their energy bills through collective solar installation.
Power Station is a real call to action documentary. It is thought provoking and very inspiring. In these uncertain times a tangible reminder that anything is possible if you have the will and determination. It’s a definite must see.
Power Station is released in UK cinemas today, Friday 3 October.
