Film Premiere at the Depot: October 2021

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In recent years, children and young people — both nationally and globally — have made their concerns about the urgency of climate change impossible to ignore. In Lewes, schools have responded in a coordinated and meaningful way, taking these calls for action seriously.

Green United was established to support student-led environmental action at a local level. From this work emerged Green on Screen — a powerful creative project in which 12 local students produced four short films. The films premiered at The Depot on 31 October 2021.

Since the youth climate strikes of 2019, primary and secondary students from Lewes and neighbouring villages have been meeting regularly, supported by teachers, parents and governors. Despite the disruption of COVID, their passion and determination have sustained the momentum.

Through these meetings, young people have identified key areas where they want to see change, including:

  • School food and waste
  • School grounds and biodiversity
  • Transport around schools
  • Wildlife education
  • Sustainable, eco-conscious living

Formed as a Community Interest Company in 2020, Green United encourages organisations and individuals to contribute their time, talent (skills) or treasure (financial support) to address the priorities identified by young people. A dedicated Youth Board decides how funds are allocated, ensuring that projects and initiatives reflect the ideas and ambitions of local students.

The Depot has been proud to support this community venture, helping to foster democratic citizenship and creative expression among young people. Through Green on Screen, 12 students were supported to create short films about the issues that matter most to them — using storytelling as a powerful tool for advocacy.

The film themes included:

  • Palm Oil
  • Ocean Pollution
  • Animal Poaching
  • Bees and pollination

Expert resources and guidance were provided by Daphne Lambert (Greencuisine Trust), Lewes Climate Hub, Surfers Against Sewage, Plastic Free Seaford and the Sussex Bees and Wasps Recording Group.

It is hoped that these films will spark wider awareness and inspire practical sustainability action across Lewes and beyond.

As Natasha Padbury, Sustainability Manager at The Depot, reflected:

“After attending a Green United meeting, we just couldn’t turn down the opportunity to support these passionate and committed young people to take climate action. We hope our contribution goes some way to creating a thriving future for the next generations.”