How to Power a city

Melanie La Rosa/2024/56 Min/Energy, Environmental Advocacy, Climate Change

Accessibility: OEFF commits to an ongoing effort to make our events as open and as accessible as possible. Our 2026 accessibility page is here!

Rating, Audience & Advisory Info

  • Recommended ages 15+

Synopsis: How To Power A City explores the front lines of the clean energy revolution. From zeitgeist solar adopters to hurricane survival and communities fighting to keep the lights on, How To Power A City showcases a diverse group of people leading the way to our nation’s clean energy future.

Awards & Accolades

  • Arctic Film Festival Nominee: Best Feature Documentary

  • Nevada Women’s Film Festival (Las Vegas): Best Feature Documentary & Spirit of Activism

  • “There are a lot of films that depict the myriad of environmental problems confronting humankind, oftentimes with a sense of inevitability and dread. While we can’t turn away from these implications, we also need stories and examples to inspire and excite our imaginations about how crises can also be opportunities for substantive transformation. This film does that and more, providing a basis for how communities can both generate power (as in electricity) and also reclaim power (as in voice). Watch it and give your sense of possibility a much-needed boost!” - Randall Amster, J.D., Ph.D

Program Information: Arrive early when doors open, and stay after the film for enlightening facilitated dialogue with relevant experts and advocates. Additional program details appear below, inline with each screening description.

  • A One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest-winning film, Power Plant Power Plant I Love You (2025, 5 Min) by Yilang Chen, will also be featured.

Institute of Cultural Affairs Tickets

4750 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60640
Friday 4/24/2026
Doors Open at 6:00 PM (CST). Film Starts Promptly at 6:30 (CST).
Free with a suggested $10 donation.
Facilitator, panelist, and other program details are forthcoming soon.

Oak Park River Forest High School Tickets

201 N Scoville Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302
Friday 4/24/2026
Presented by Village of Oak Park and Oak Park Public Library, in partnership with
Oak Park and River Forest High School
Doors Open at 5:45 PM (CST). Film Starts Promptly at 6:30 (CST).
Free with a suggested $10 donation.
Facilitator, panelist, and other program details are forthcoming soon.

Triton College Tickets

Triton Student Center, B-building
2000 Fifth Ave River Grove, IL 60171
Friday 4/24/2026
Doors Open at 6:00 PM (CST). Film Starts Promptly at 6:30 (CST).
Free with a suggested $10 donation.

Triton's program will be lead by facilitator: Susan Lucci

Triton's programming will begin at 6pm with time to enjoy appetizers and refreshments from TriCafe and interaction with our tabling partners: Illinois Environmental Council, Oak Park Climate Action Network, Triton Environmental Club, and Triton Renewable Energy Technology Program.

Guests will learn more about the mission of these organizations and how their efforts contribute to the implementation of renewable energy technology.

Prior to the start of the film Triton will also announce and honor the winner of it's Earth Day photo contest.

After screening "How to Power a City" guest are invited to stay for a post-film discussion featuring a panel of representatives from our tabling partners. This discussion will underscore key takeaways from the film and answer any additional audience questions.

We will be offering refreshments free for guests.