Okehampton event to explore climate issues in community film screening

A film introduced by naturalist and broadcaster Chris Packham will be screened in Okehampton later this month, followed by a community discussion on climate and environmental issues.

The People's Emergency Briefing will be shown at The New Carlton Cinema on Tuesday, June 16, with organisers hoping to attract residents, councillors, community groups and business leaders from across Okehampton and West Devon.

The film is based on the National Emergency Briefing held at Westminster Central Hall in November 2025, which brought together politicians, business leaders, scientists and representatives from a range of sectors to discuss climate and nature-related challenges facing the UK.

According to organisers, the 50-minute film presents evidence from scientists on issues including food security, public health, infrastructure, the economy and the natural environment.

Cast members include Chris Packham, Deborah Meaden, Jennifer Saunders and more.

The screening is being organised by Plastic Free Okehampton, which has coordinated the town’s involvement in the national Great Big Green Week campaign over the past four years.

Fran Rickwood, speaking on behalf of the group, said it had decided to continue local environmental engagement despite taking a break from organising this year’s programme.

“We still wanted to utilise the momentum of Great Big Green Week to arrange a local showing of The People’s Emergency Briefing,” she said.

Organisers are hoping to fill the cinema's 70-seat auditorium and have invited local elected representatives, businesses, community organisations and residents to attend.

Following the screening, a facilitated discussion will give attendees an opportunity to explore local responses to environmental challenges.

Rather than focusing solely on climate and biodiversity concerns, organisers say the discussion will encourage people to consider positive actions and community-led initiatives.

Ms Rickwood said: "It is hoped that the audience will learn more about projects and groups that tackle environmental issues locally and that they will feel empowered to become more proactive within their communities."

Organisers also hope the event will encourage similar screenings elsewhere in West Devon, with invitations extended to people from surrounding towns and villages.

The event continues a growing partnership between Plastic Free Okehampton and The New Carlton Cinema, which has hosted a number of environmental film screenings over the past year.

According to organisers, previous screenings have attracted strong local interest, particularly when accompanied by question-and-answer sessions.

Ms Rickwood said communities across the South West are increasingly interested in environmental topics because many people are already familiar with the effects of climate change and nature loss.

She added that independent films can help residents stay informed about environmental issues while highlighting positive projects and solutions.

Plastic Free Okehampton works with schools, businesses and community groups to reduce single-use plastics and promote sustainable alternatives.

The group also organises litter-picking activities, environmental networking events and a recently launched "Gardening for Nature" initiative focusing on pollinator-friendly and peat-free gardening practices.

Chris Packham has encouraged people to attend local screenings of the film, saying: "I'd encourage people everywhere to attend a screening of The People's Emergency Briefing.

“It creates exactly the kind of honest local conversation we now urgently need, both about what these changes mean where we live, and about what we can do together to address them."

The screening is set to take place at The New Carlton Cinema in Okehampton next Tuesday, June 16 at 19:40pm.