How Filmmakers Fought UK Energy Crisis with Rooftop Camping

Filmmakers Hilary Powell and Dan Edelstyn, known for their distinctive “caper docs” that blend activism with spectacle, embarked on their most ambitious project yet with “Power Station.” This documentary chronicles their audacious endeavor to combat the UK’s energy crisis by funding solar panels for their neighborhood. At the heart of their fundraising efforts was a remarkable stunt: camping out on their rooftop during the harsh winter months, enduring freezing temperatures and strong winds to raise awareness and capital for their community’s green energy initiative.

The Genesis of “Power Station” Amidst an Energy Crisis

The inspiration for “Power Station” emerged from a pressing societal issue: the United Kingdom’s escalating energy crisis. A significant portion of the populace, estimated at 39%, has faced difficulties in adequately heating their homes. In areas like Walthamstow Forest, London, where the filmmakers reside, fuel poverty was particularly acute, affecting 27% of the population. Witnessing this struggle firsthand, Powell and Edelstyn felt compelled to act, believing that community-led initiatives could offer tangible solutions where government action seemed insufficient.

Their previous films, “How to Re-Establish a Vodka Empire” (2012) and “Bank Job” (2021), showcased their propensity for ambitious, community-focused projects that often involved an element of audacious performance. In “Bank Job,” for instance, they famously bought up and forgave $1.5 million in predatory loans through an explosive public art event. “Power Station” channels this same spirit, aiming to transform their street, Lynmouth Road in northeast London, into a model of energy self-sufficiency powered by the sun.

The Rooftop Fundraiser: Braving Winter for Solar

To fund the installation of solar panels for their neighbors, Powell and Edelstyn devised a highly visual and deeply personal fundraising method: they decided to camp on their own rooftop throughout the winter. This extreme undertaking was not merely a stunt but a direct reflection of the very challenges their community faced in keeping warm. The film captures their struggles against the elements, including iced-over bedding and soaking conditions, while simultaneously juggling the demands of family life, civic organizing, and filming.

This dramatic act served multiple purposes. It garnered media attention, dramatized the urgency of fuel poverty, and directly involved them in the physical discomfort many were enduring. By making themselves vulnerable and visible, they aimed to create a compelling narrative that would encourage donations and inspire broader participation in their green energy vision.

Community Engagement and the Art of Filmmaking

A significant portion of the “Power Station” project involved grassroots community organizing. The filmmakers went door-to-door, engaging directly with their neighbors on Lynmouth Road. This proved to be a challenging yet rewarding process, as they worked to convince residents that a shared, community-owned energy system was not only feasible but beneficial. They encountered a diverse range of individuals, from elderly residents struggling with isolation to families prioritizing education over home repairs, each adding a unique human element to the narrative.

The film is as much about the process of making change as it is about the change itself. Powell and Edelstyn’s dynamic, often characterized by affectionate bickering, is central to the film’s engaging tone. While Edelstyn leaned into the dramatic, “hero’s journey” aspect, Powell meticulously developed detailed plans, spreadsheets, and even a local currency to support the project. This dual approach demonstrates how practical organization and compelling storytelling intertwined to drive their initiative forward.

Ultimately, their persistence and the spectacle of their rooftop camp paid off. They secured media coverage and, importantly, an energy company sponsor, allowing the solar panel installations to begin, transforming their street into a local power station.

Impact and Future Aspirations

The “Power Station” project showcases the tangible impact that dedicated community action can have in addressing large-scale issues like climate change and energy poverty. By documenting their efforts, Powell and Edelstyn aim to provide a template for other communities to follow. Their message is clear: even at a local level, ordinary people possess the power to instigate significant change.

Following the film’s release in UK cinemas, the filmmakers, in collaboration with the U.K.’s Optimistic Foundation, are actively sharing their organizing framework. This template is designed to empower other local groups and schools to implement similar solar energy projects, extending the reach of their initial success beyond Lynmouth Road.

Frequently Asked Questions About “Power Station”

What is the “Power Station” documentary about?

“Power Station” is a documentary film by Hilary Powell and Dan Edelstyn that chronicles their efforts to establish a community-owned solar energy system in their London neighborhood. It highlights their unique fundraising method of camping on their rooftop in winter and the challenges and triumphs of grassroots activism to combat fuel poverty and climate change.

Who are the filmmakers behind “Power Station”?

The film was directed by Hilary Powell and Dan Edelstyn, a married couple known for their previous “caper docs” like “How to Re-Establish a Vodka Empire” and “Bank Job.” They combine filmmaking with performance art and social activism.

How did the filmmakers raise funds for the solar panels?

A central fundraising effort involved the filmmakers camping out on their rooftop throughout the winter months. This public act of endurance drew attention to their cause, generated media interest, and helped secure donations, eventually leading to a sponsorship from an energy company.

Where does the “Power Station” project take place?

The primary setting for the community energy project depicted in “Power Station” is Lynmouth Road in Walthamstow, northeast London, where the filmmakers reside.

What is the broader goal of the “Power Station” project?

Beyond providing solar panels for their neighborhood, the filmmakers aim to demonstrate that community-led initiatives can effectively address the energy crisis and inspire wider adoption of green energy solutions. They are now sharing their organizing template to help other communities and schools implement similar projects.

Conclusion

The story of “Power Station” is a testament to the power of community, ingenuity, and a dash of audacious performance art in addressing urgent societal challenges. Hilary Powell and Dan Edelstyn’s decision to literally put themselves out in the cold to bring warmth and sustainable energy to their neighbors illustrates a proactive approach to climate action. Their journey, captured in the film, offers a compelling narrative of how local efforts, fueled by determination and a collaborative spirit, can not only illuminate homes but also inspire a broader movement towards a more sustainable and equitable future.