People’s Emergency Briefing film

This film has its own map! The People’s Emergency Briefing is a film based on the National Emergency Briefing’s live talks presented for MPs in Westminster, last November. 

The second Horsham screening of the ‘PEB’ film is at Brighton Road Baptist Church on 26th June and the event is being supported by multiple local groups including Transition Horsham, MP Watch Horsham, Horsham Eco Churches and Sussex Green Living. 

Horsham MP John Milne will be a welcome guest on the night. Having been a Neighbourhood Councillor, a District Councillor and a County Councillor, he’s well aware of the important role that each member of a community can play and the power that comes when we work together, as this film aims to demonstrate. 

We’re also delighted that Christoph Warrack, the CEO & founder of ‘Common’ has kindly agreed to lead the post-film discussion with the audience. Christoph has spent many years in the film industry founding Open Cinema and advising ‘Moving Beyond’ which enables people to focus their abilities on improving their shared communities. 

But Horsham is far from being the only place where this important film is screening! Public showings are taking place all over the nation and beyond. Private showings by invitation only are also taking place, for example at National Trust Gardens such as Nymans in Handcross. 

All sorts of groups are hosting films in all sorts of places: in sports pavilions, colleges, pubs, village halls, churches as well as in theatres and cinemas- basically, anywhere people can gather together, even in their own homes, because they know this is so important.   

Not seen it yet? No problem – future free screenings are taking place near you and more are being added all the time:

24 June – Steyning

26 June – Horsham 

1 July – Cowfold  

8 July – Amberley  

9 July – Mannings Heath 

There are now several countries, including Germany, who are looking to produce similar documentaries with their own experts and in their own language, to spread the message with a similar campaign.  

The film itself is not available yet on YouTube (although the individual talks are) because of the nature of the subject matter. Watching the film in person, within a kind, supportive, and well-prepared group setting, feels vital. 

Being able to talk about what has been said and the images shown can be hugely helpful in processing the information we’re all beginning to wake up to. 

Parish councillors, ‘green’ groups, women’s groups, political groups, churches, sports groups– anyone is welcome to host an event and advice, and support materials are provided. Very often someone who has already hosted a film will offer to come along and help you on the evening. As you might notice, there is an opportunity for a screening in Storrington, Billingshurst, Rusper, Rudgwick or Slinfold. Might you, your council or church organise a screening? 

Despite the serious nature of the film, it manages to remain positive and hopeful and to empower us all to realise what can change and how – and NOW! 

Screenings in village halls, sixth form colleges, churches and businesses are constantly being planned. Find your nearest screening, information and tickets here www.nebriefing.org/screening-map 

By Morag Warrack