This is a film festival which asks you to take a seat while taking a stand.

The films will make you think and perhaps encourage you to do something about a political or environmental issue.

Take One Action say : “Our programme offers an antidote to despair and powerlessness. With community events, live musical performances and more than 40 films on offer, 60% of which have been directed by women, this year’s festival celebrates our common humanity and our ability – individual and collective – to bring about a kinder, fairer, more sustainable world.

“We believe in the transformative power of film and are honoured to be sharing the stories of individuals and communities whose very resilience, tenacity and hope are radical acts of defiance. These include a Micronesian nation’s president’s urgent calls for climate action (Anote’s Ark), a young female Somali refugee’s historic journey to the US House of Representatives (Time for Ilhan), the unwavering strength of Spanish citizens demanding their country confront the brutal crimes of Franco’s dictatorship (The Silence of Others) and the Palestinian women whose grassroots organising was the unsung, beating heart of the first Intifada (Naila and the Uprising).

“The films we screen and the conversations we foster do more than open eyes and minds: they are a direct invitation to reshape our world for the better – right here, right now.

“Join us and our fantastic partners for the 11th edition of the UK’s leading global change film festival.”

The Take One Action Film Festival gets underway on 12 September 2018 with Anote’s Ark at the Filmhouse at 20.10.

Directed by Matthieu Rytz (2018)

What happens when the sea threatens to engulf your country? With the harsh realities of climate change looming, the low-lying Pacific nation of Kiribati must find a solution for the survival of its people.

Presented in partnership with Oxfam Scotland and Christian Aid Scotland.

Films and events run for ten days until the closing event at the Filmhouse on 23 September 2018 : Naila and the Uprising. 

Directed by Julia Bacha (2018)

Discover the story that history overlooked and meet the women whose grassroots organising was the unsung, beating heart of the most vibrant nonviolent uprising in Palestinian history.

Screening followed by Q&A with the film’s main protagonist, Naila Ayesh.

Presented in partnership with UNISON Scotland and Christian Aid Scotland.

 

And watch out for the cutest film venue – Leith Walk Police Box where a carefully curated selection of short films will be shown in the unique setting of an old police box, each weekend afternoon during the festival. From food sustainability to migration, from creativity to climate justice, there’s a fantastic programme to enjoy – presented in a cosy space for 2.

Each screening will last for 15 minutes.

More details here.

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Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.