Welcome
Take One Action nurtures communal exploration of the stories, ideas and questions at the heart of positive social change. Through film screenings, conversation and enquiry, we bring people together to inspire a fairer, more sustainable and more fulfilling world, in Scotland and beyond our borders.
Established in 2008, Take One Action are an Edinburgh-based, independent charity founded by film lovers, cultural activists and globally concerned citizens who believe that shared cinematic experience can catalyse lasting change. Our annual programme of activities welcomes upwards of 5,000 audience members each year and includes a 12-day festival in Edinburgh & Glasgow, two weekend festivals in Aberdeen & Inverness, a network of local film clubs and a series of individual screenings, talks and training opportunities.
Come, take part, and be inspired.
DOWNLOAD YOUR 2019 FESTIVAL BROCHURE
Download2019 Festival Events Calendar
Push
Wednesday 18 September 2019
Filmhouse, Edinburgh
Landlords without faces, apartments without renters… Housing prices are skyrocketing in cities across the world, but incomes are not – pushing long-term residents out.
Short Films at CCA
Thursday 19 September 2019
Centre For Contemporary Arts (CCA), Glasgow
Throughout the festival we will be running a short film booth at CCA, where you can enjoy a diverse range of short films from our catalogue.
Short Films for Primary Schools
Thursday 19 September 2019
Filmhouse, Edinburgh
Join us for a brand new programme of short films from around the world, which spotlight issues of gender equality, access to education, power, conflict, food and the environment.
The Feminister
Thursday 19 September 2019
Filmhouse, Edinburgh
This extraordinary portrait of politician Margot Wallström was shot over her first four years in office as Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Push
Thursday 19 September 2019
Centre For Contemporary Arts (CCA), Glasgow
Landlords without faces, apartments without renters… Housing prices are skyrocketing in cities across the world, but incomes are not – pushing long-term residents out.
Inventing Tomorrow
Friday 20 September 2019
City of Glasgow College, Glasgow
Communities across the world are bearing the brunt of climate chaos and environmental degradation. In Inventing Tomorrow, hope takes the form of a group of young students, from Indonesia, India, Mexico and Hawaii, as they prepare for ISEF, the world’s largest high-school science competition.
Challenging Creativity
Friday 20 September 2019
Johnstone Terrace Gardens, Edinburgh
This informal event, brought to you by TOAFF volunteers, will explore ways that creativity can help us respond to complex social and environmental issues. The event is inspired by the film Grit, screening that evening in Edinburgh.
Grit
Friday 20 September 2019
Filmhouse, Edinburgh
Dian was six when an earthquake, set off by natural gas drilling in the area, led to a tsunami of mud hurtling towards her village. Ten years later, thousands of people in her community still seek reparation from the powerful mining company responsible for the damage.
Soyalism + Meal
Friday 20 September 2019
Out of the Blue Drill Hall, Edinburgh
Food production has increasingly become huge business for a handful of giant corporations. How do we re-prioritise workers’ rights, animal welfare and environmental sustainability?
The Feminister
Friday 20 September 2019
Centre For Contemporary Arts (CCA), Glasgow
This extraordinary portrait of politician Margot Wallström was shot over her first four years in office as Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Together We Are Powerful: Stories of Resistance
Saturday 21 September 2019
Custom Lane, Edinburgh
This inspiring interactive exhibition collects images and artefacts from decades of creative activism around the world, connecting communities in Scotland and across the global south as they unite against big business, locally and globally, and demand that human lives come before corporate profit.
Tooling Up to Double Down: How to Harness People Power
Saturday 21 September 2019
Augustine United Church, Edinburgh
Be inspired by those who have faced challenges yet successfully campaigned for positive change – and find your own route into action. Join us for a day of connection, inspiration and skills building, from grassroots mobilising to political lobbying.
Free Short Films for Families
Saturday 21 September 2019
Centre For Contemporary Arts (CCA), Glasgow
As part of Doors Open Days at CCA Glasgow, pop in to the cinema to enjoy a specially curated programme of short animated, documentary and fiction films that celebrate (bio)diversity, creativity, kindness and resilience.
Gods of Molenbeek
Saturday 21 September 2019
Filmhouse, Edinburgh
Does God exist? What happens when we die?
Brussels’ Molenbeek district has been, for most outsiders, synonymous with violent jihadism. For six-year-old friends Aatos and Amine, however, it is just home: the playground in which they listen to spiders whisper, or argue over who will get the front seat on the magic carpet that will take them to the land of their ancestors.
Grit
Saturday 21 September 2019
Centre For Contemporary Arts (CCA), Glasgow
Dian was six when an earthquake, set off by natural gas drilling in the area, led to a tsunami of mud hurtling towards her village. Ten years later, thousands of people in her community still seek reparation from the powerful mining company responsible for the damage.
Midnight Traveler
Saturday 21 September 2019
Filmhouse, Edinburgh
When the Taliban puts a bounty on Afghan director Hassan Fazili’s head, he is forced to flee with his wife and two young daughters.
Free Short Films for Families
Sunday 22 September 2019
Centre For Contemporary Arts (CCA), Glasgow
As part of Doors Open Days at CCA Glasgow, pop in to the cinema to enjoy a specially curated programme of short animated, documentary and fiction films that celebrate (bio)diversity, creativity, kindness and resilience.
Midnight Traveler
Sunday 22 September 2019
Glasgow Film Theatre, Glasgow
When the Taliban puts a bounty on Afghan director Hassan Fazili’s head, he is forced to flee with his wife and two young daughters.
Tiny Souls
Sunday 22 September 2019
Filmhouse, Edinburgh
9-year-old Marwa is a lively, inquisitive child, whose interests revolve around playtime, school and her siblings. She and her family live in Jordan’s Za’atari camp, the world’s largest camp for Syrian refugees, and hope to return home soon.
The Prosecutors
Sunday 22 September 2019
Centre For Contemporary Arts (CCA), Glasgow
Often considered collateral damage instead of a
war crime, sexual violence has, for centuries, been instrumentalised to control and terrorise entire communities in conflict zones. Can we end the use of this insidious tool of war, and how effective are legal frameworks in prosecuting culprits?
Survivors
Sunday 22 September 2019
Filmhouse, Edinburgh
Through the remarkable stories of three individuals at the epicentre of Sierra Leone’s recent Ebola epidemic, Survivors chronicles the unfolding of one of the most acute public health crises of the modern era.
Short Films for Primary Schools
Monday 23 September 2019
Glasgow Film Theatre, Glasgow
Join us for a brand new programme of short films from around the world, which spotlight issues of gender equality, access to education, power, conflict, food and the environment.
Director Masterclass: Dina Naser
Monday 23 September 2019
Edinburgh College of Art, Edinburgh
Palestinian Jordanian director and producer Dina Naser (Tiny Souls) will explore her career development as a filmmaker, and how to move a story from a short to feature, alongside her approach to working with vulnerable children and her editing process.
DOCMA: Make Your Own Doc
Monday 23 September 2019
Centre For Contemporary Arts (CCA), Glasgow
What is DOCMA? A 5-minute documentary made by 5 filmmakers / groups in 5 different styles – a game, designed to make docs together and get your creative juices flowing!
The Prosecutors
Monday 23 September 2019
Filmhouse, Edinburgh
Often considered collateral damage instead of a war crime, sexual violence has, for centuries, been instrumentalised to control and terrorise entire communities in conflict zones. Can we end the use of this insidious tool of war, and how effective are legal frameworks in prosecuting culprits?
System Error
Monday 23 September 2019
Grassmarket Centre, Edinburgh
As a central tenet of capitalism, the concept of growth dominates our politics, our economy, and our understanding of what makes the world go round. Yet the social fabric and nature itself are showing the strain of this constant drive for bigger and better at all costs.
Tiny Souls
Monday 23 September 2019
Centre For Contemporary Arts (CCA), Glasgow
9-year-old Marwa is a lively, inquisitive child, whose interests revolve around playtime, school and her siblings. She and her family live in Jordan’s Za’atari camp, the world’s largest camp for Syrian refugees, and hope to return home soon.
Ghost Fleet
Monday 23 September 2019
Glasgow Film Theatre, Glasgow
What does modern-day slavery look like, and are we complicit in perpetuating it?
The Time of Forests
Tuesday 24 September 2019
Institut Français Écosse, Edinburgh
A living forest or a green desert? Tomorrow’s landscape will be defined by the choices we make today.
Voices from the Migrant Community
Tuesday 24 September 2019
Maryhill Integration Network, Glasgow
Programmed and presented by members of the Maryhill Integration Network community, this special, free screening of documentary and fiction short films explores different experiences of migration.
Scheme Birds
Tuesday 24 September 2019
Glasgow Film Theatre, Glasgow
Scottish teenager Gemma has never backed down from a fight: that’s the way of life in the housing estate where she grew up, in Motherwell.
Cyrenians’ Syrian Supper Club
Tuesday 24 September 2019
Flavour & Haver Cook School, Edinburgh
Enjoy a special selection of short films exploring themes of refuge, migration and welcome, followed by a delicious meal cooked by Syrian chefs from Edinburgh’s refugee community.
Facing the Dragon
Tuesday 24 September 2019
Centre For Contemporary Arts (CCA), Glasgow
As American forces and aid leave Afghanistan, Afghan- American filmmaker Sedika Mojadidi crafts an intimate portrait of two awe-inspiring women: Nilofar, a member of parliament, and Shakila, a television journalist.
Ghost Fleet
Tuesday 24 September 2019
Filmhouse, Edinburgh
What does modern-day slavery look like, and are we complicit in perpetuating it?
Scotland’s International Development Alliance Annual Conference
Wednesday 25 September 2019
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow
Putting gender front and centre: Join representatives from across Scotland’s international development community for a day of workshops and networking opportunities.
Producer Masterclass: Ruth Reid
Wednesday 25 September 2019
Film City Glasgow, Glasgow
Based in Sweden and the UK, producer Ruth Reid has a background in Law and documentary filmmaking. She will be exploring the production process and creative evolution of the award-winning feature documentary Scheme Birds. Ruth will focus particularly on how to craft intimate stories that respect protagonists’ integrity.
DOCMA: Make Your Own Doc
Wednesday 25 September 2019
Centre For Contemporary Arts (CCA), Glasgow
What is DOCMA? A 5-minute documentary made by 5 filmmakers / groups in 5 different styles – a game, designed to make docs together and get your creative juices flowing!
Anbessa
Wednesday 25 September 2019
Glasgow Film Theatre, Glasgow
This lyrical documentary follows a young boy who uses his creativity, imagination and sharp wits to battle forces beyond his control.
Scheme Birds
Wednesday 25 September 2019
Filmhouse, Edinburgh
Scottish teenager Gemma has never backed down from a fight: that’s the way of life in the housing estate where she grew up, in Motherwell.
Soyalism + Meal
Wednesday 25 September 2019
Centre For Contemporary Arts (CCA), Glasgow
Food production has increasingly become huge business for a handful of giant corporations. How do we re-prioritise workers’ rights, animal welfare and environmental sustainability?
Anbessa
Thursday 26 September 2019
Filmhouse, Edinburgh
Join us after the film to explore questions of development,sustainability and how to ensure opportunities can be shared more equitably. We will be joined by guests including representatives from Mercy Corps.
The Time of Forests
Thursday 26 September 2019
Alliance Française de Glasgow, Glasgow
A living forest or a green desert? Tomorrow’s landscape will be defined by the choices we make today.
Everything Must Fall
Thursday 26 September 2019
Centre For Contemporary Arts (CCA), Glasgow
This urgent documentary chronicles the rise of the #FeesMustFall student movement which ignited into one of South Africa’s most militant national revolts.
DOCMA: Make Your Own Doc
Friday 27 September 2019
Centre For Contemporary Arts (CCA), Glasgow
What is DOCMA? A 5-minute documentary made by 5 filmmakers / groups in 5 different styles – a game, designed to make docs together and get your creative juices flowing!
Inventing Tomorrow
Friday 27 September 2019
Filmhouse, Edinburgh
Communities across the world are bearing the brunt of climate chaos and environmental degradation. In Inventing Tomorrow, hope takes the form of a group of young students, from Indonesia, India, Mexico and Hawaii, as they prepare for ISEF, the world’s largest high-school science competition.
Anthropocene: The Human Epoch
Friday 27 September 2019
Centre For Contemporary Arts (CCA), Glasgow
Photographer Edward Burtynsky and his artistic collaborators Jennifer Baichwal and Nicholas de pencier offer a cinematic meditation on the way human activity has reshaped the Earth.
Facing the Dragon
Friday 27 September 2019
Filmhouse, Edinburgh
As American forces and aid leave Afghanistan, Afghan-American filmmaker Sedika Mojadidi crafts an intimate portrait of two awe-inspiring women: Nilofar, a member of parliament, and Shakila, a television journalist.
Disruption is Fertile: How Ecofeminism is Rooting for Change
Saturday 28 September 2019
Glasgow Women’s Library, Glasgow
Explore the concepts, dynamics and approaches at the heart of ecofeminism in this empowering and inclusive event.
Future of NGOs: Have Your Say
Saturday 28 September 2019
What role should global development organisations play in disrupting the system, and how do you, the changemaker, get involved? Join global organisation Mercy Corps on the closing weekend of the festival for a forward-looking discussion – and have your say.
Sorry We Missed You
Saturday 28 September 2019
Glasgow Film Theatre, Glasgow
Ken Loach and his long-term collaborators (screenwriter Paul Laverty and producer Rebecca O’Brien) return with another devastatingly powerful portrait of contemporary Britain.
Eating Up Easter
Saturday 28 September 2019
Filmhouse, Edinburgh
In a cinematic letter to his son, native Rapa Nui (Easter Island) filmmaker Sergio Mata’u Rapu crafts a global wake-up call from the remote Pacific.
Anthropocene: The Human Epoch
Saturday 28 September 2019
Filmhouse, Edinburgh
Photographer Edward Burtynsky and his artistic collaborators Jennifer Baichwal and Nicholas de pencier offer a cinematic meditation on the way human activity has reshaped the Earth.
Yours in Sisterhood
Sunday 29 September 2019
The Space Dalry 183 Creative & Cultural Hub, Edinburgh
Join us for a free screening of surprising, diverse and inspiring films by and about women, celebrating defiance and solidarity. A warm welcome will be offered to all, with free tea and coffee and an informal conversation after the films.
Sorry We Missed You
Sunday 29 September 2019
Filmhouse, Edinburgh
Ken Loach and his long-term collaborators (screenwriter Paul Laverty and producer Rebecca O’Brien) return with another devastatingly powerful portrait of contemporary Britain.
FEATURED ORGANISATION
Oxfam Scotland
Oxfam Scotland is a movement of people who share the belief that, in a world rich in resources, poverty isn’t inevitable. From saving lives in disasters, to helping people earn a living or campaigning for change that lasts – people power drives everything Oxfam does.
From the Blog
Opening & Closing Film of TOAFF19 Announced!
1 August 2019
We are delighted to reveal our opening and closing night films at TOAFF19 in Edinburgh & Glasgow, ahead of the full festival programme announcement on Wednesday 14th August.