Merthyr Tydfil gathers for powerful ‘People’s Emergency Briefing’ screenings

On Wednesday 7^th October, over 100 students from The College, Merthyr Tydfil joined Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru staff to watch a screening of ‘People’s Emergency Briefing’ at Theatr Soar.

The film is adapted from a ‘National Emergency Briefing’ given to UK politicians, business leaders and VIPs last year, where leading experts shared their assessments of potential impacts of climate change on varied aspects of our lives. The topics range from food and farming, nature, energy and the cost of living, national defence and others – all of which are shown to be deeply interlinked and impacted by climate change.

One of the students had this to say about the screening event:

“I thought it was really good, more people need to realise that this is something that is happening. And that society doesn’t just need to survive. It can thrive as well.”

The event was a testament to the relationships Trydan has fostered since its launch over 2 years ago with local community keystones. Trydan’s partnership with The College, Merthyr was further exemplified by a first-ever screening of short films produced by students at the college in collaboration with Trydan, screened before the Briefing itself. Produced by Creative Media Production Technology students last year, they provided great inspiration to this year’s cohort of students, currently planning their own projects with Trydan as part of their studies.

The course, and its focus on giving students real-life experience of working with a company on a brief - while allowing them creative freedom to deliver an output of their design - has been praised, including by assessors, and it has resulted in a number of past students gaining places at university to study media and film.

“The creative economy is huge in Wales, and we’re offering students opportunities to experience it early, and think about how they can entertain, engage and educate audiences too, on important matters affecting our lives.” said Anna Williams, Lecturer at The College.

“The students’ short films show how there are different ways to bring the whole community and young people into a bigger conversation that’s going on all over the world. Some deployed humour, others a freer style, while another example shows students asking people around them what they know or think they know. I’m really proud of the work they’ve done.”

Phyl Griffiths, Director of Menter Iaith Merthyr Tudful, which manages Theatr Soar, said:

"There's something for all ages, abilities and interests in our arts and language centre. We're proud to host a screening of the film People’s Emergency Briefing, as well as showcasing local and young Merthyr talent. This is a place for people to come together, hear clear information, and discuss what it means here, where we live and work. We hope that people from different backgrounds and perspectives will feel they can get involved. This is not about telling people what to think, but creating a space for informed conversation. We hope that now the film has been shown, there will be an opportunity to gather again, to hear about some of the initiatives of community groups, companies, and colleges in the area, to consider our response to challenges that we face."

Richard Evans, Chief Executive Officer of Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru, said:

"Trydan has formed important relationships with many of the organisations in the heart of the town and the area, since we’ve located here. Being part of a local and national network is part of our aim, as we develop renewable energy projects for Wales, according to our mission – which is, in short: Power to Prosper.

We are pleased to learn along with our neighbours in Merthyr about the potential impacts of climate change, to hear about some of the solutions that experts in many fields are proposing, and to talk about our work in that context as well."

A public screening will be held at Theatr Soar on the 8^th of October at 7pm. Tickets are free of charge and can be booked here.