Where Stories Spark Action

Last week I headed South West…

First stop: Bristol, to catch up with my crewmates from Re-Action - Matt, Zoe, and Lisa. Big love!

Then onward to Falmouth, with the human who somehow puts up with all my quirks and still makes ACTionism magic with me - our brilliant filmmaker Michael Shaw.

I’ve been looking forward to this little misadventure for months. The seed of the idea - how ACTionism might ripple out across the world - was first planted in Gav’s noggin by the wonderful Alex Fish, founder of 99p Films.

A 99p Film night is not your average cinema experience. It’s a revolutionary community interest company that turns film screenings into shared, heart-centered gatherings - complete with mindful breathing, honest conversations, and communal feasts.

The perfect home for a film like ACTionism, which invites people into the story and sparks real talk about what we can do together, right here, right now.

There’s something intensely human about that.

We need spaces where we can dream into what could be - places to raise a hand and say: I care about this. Who else?

Plotting. Pollinating. Dreaming. Imagining what if… Doing something together.

The screening coincided with the Falmouth University Sustainable Fashion department’s Fashion Reclaimed - part of Sustainable Fashion Week. All day at the Cornish Bank, people were repairing, stitching, and sewing life back into loved things. Sharing stories. Showing they care.

I even got to hang out with the magic that is Gina Umney for some seaside shenanigans, who I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with through Transition Together.

Essentially, I’ve spent the week surrounded by people I adore - by the sea, telling stories, and hearing others share theirs. The energy in the room was unlike anything I’ve ever felt: alive, pulsing with care, creativity, and the resilient heartbeat of community. Blooming marvelous.

This is community power, my friends - served with a generous helping of joy ❤️💪

"I went to watch Actionism on a whim, and I'm so glad I did.
Just about everything Ellie said resonated with me and I feel genuinely inspired.

I think the main message I took from last night was something along the lines of: the best way to get stuff done is to find people who feel the same way, and just go Do The Thing.

Some really interesting discussion afterwards, I'm keen on the idea of communities sharing tools, knowledge and skills like some people mentioned.

For my part, if anyone is interested I can teach people how to do car maintenance, servicing, simple repairs. (As much as I'd love to live in a world where we don't need cars, they are pretty useful, especially in Cornwall!)

And conversely I'm always eager to learn new stuff from other people!
I believe the most resilient communities are built on solidarity and mutual aid.

Anyway enough rambling from me.
Take it easy everyone 🤙" A new ACTionist

"They made a group chat, there and then, during the event and theres like 18 people all looking to come together for direct action!  We’ve called the chat ‘Falmouth Reaction’. First mission is to save a place called Pants (charity shop in Fal getting the boot from it's venue... Lots of ideas shooting off in the group it which is exciting to see." alexander fish

The Collective Agency is building and we'd love to see more ACtionism community screenings. If you would like to get involved, please complete the form on this page. Thank you Citizens.