The stretch target would allow us to extend the film production by bringing in additional camera operators to help out during the trip and allow more time for Jessie and Catherine to work collaboratively in post-production when telling the story. The stretch target would also be put towards entry to film festivals to ensure the story of the People Pedal Power movement is seen and heard by as many people as possible. Festivals which champion diversity, sustainability and lesser-heard stories will be the primary focus. Combined, these additional elements would allow The Adventure Syndicate to help build a legacy for the movement, extend People Pedal Power's message and reach out further to other youth climate activists and underrepresented groups in conversations around sustainability and the climate crisis.
16 year old youth climate activist Jessie Stevens, founder of the movement People Pedal Power, wanted to attend COP26 in Glasgow to have her voice heard and bring youth representation to a conversation often dominated by older voices.
With the carbon cost of flying proving unjustifiable, the train journey proving extortionately expensive and walking proving too great a tax on her time and education, Jessie has decided to make the 550 mile journey from the coastline of Southern England to Glasgow by bike. Concerned that the upcoming COP would continue to result in a lack of meaningful action, Jessie wants as many people to join the movement as possible to make a statement that politicians cannot ignore, demonstrate how ineffective the current system of travel is and highlight the importance of people-led decision making.
The Adventure Syndicate will follow the journey with a filmmaker and produce a feature length film which explores Jessie's story and the stories of those she meets along the way. Young people, underrepresented groups and climate experts will be invited and encouraged to ride for a few miles of the #ride2COP26 route to create a diverse movement of people and stories that cannot be ignored. Adventure Syndicate filmmaker Catherine Dunn will document the journey and capture these conversations as the journey unfolds. The film will not follow the traditional hero’s journey, but instead focus on the power that can be sought from collective action, collaboration, trust and the voices of the future. Catherine will work with Jessie to co-produce the film to produce a powerful piece which reflects the values of Jessie’s mission and youth voice.
The Adventure Syndicate will also support the movement by travelling with Jessie on a cargo bike and carrying everything she will need to be self-sufficient. Continuing the legacy of Resolution Race, the cargo bike will be ridden by different members of The Adventure Syndicate family as a relay as Jessie rides up the country. The cargo bike will not only provide physical support, but will also tangibly represent one of the viable solutions to developing a more sustainable transport system; after all, this journey is not just about highlighting what is wrong, but also about demonstrating ways forward.
The crowdfunding appeal aims to cover the costs associated with the production of a feature length film and sustainably cover the efforts of those volunteering to support Jessie on the cargo bike. This means all funding will directly contribute to the film through production, post-production, original nature-inspired music, co-production with Jessie and photography by James Robertson, whilst ensuring everyone who is supporting on the cargo bike has the means to travel to and from their home.
(Photo credits: James Robertson and Jessie Stevens)