A free film night, exploring the planetary addiction to fossil fuels, is set to take place on Friday at the Beecroft Art Gallery.

The SOS Climate Coalition’s first film is The Oil Machine starting at 6.30pm The event is free and the organisers will provide snacks and soft drinks.

“Together we can build a local movement to campaign on Southend related climate issues, as well as linking in with the wider movement worldwide,” said Stephanie Golder, from Incredible Edibles in Leigh.

“Film nights are a great way to meet others whilst learning about the big problems facing the world, with plenty of space for discussion. We ran a successful night at the Ironworks in November, with a film about activists walking to COP26 in Glasgow, Of Walking on Thin Ice, which one of our members Rachel White took part in.”

The SOS Climate Coalition was put together by community members from both the radical Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil and moderate climate groups Friends of the Earth, Incredible Edible to engage with local people on issues that matter to them.

The next film night is scheduled for March 10 at 6.30pm where they will be showing Finite, a raw, authentic and emotional insight into the David and Goliath battle between frontline communities, activists and fossil fuel corporations.

This is followed by an event on March 24 at 6.30pm where Eating Our Way To Extinction will be shown. Narrated by Kate Winslet, the film changes the way people view the food industry.

“These events matter because local people need the space to get together, and hopefully work together, to build a better future. We are living in scary times and it can feel overwhelming, but being part of a community strengthens us and gives us the power to imagine an alternative,” said Stephanie.

Tickets are free with snacks and soft drinks available.

For more information and to book a seat, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-oil-machine-film-screening-tickets-548125356697.