How to Power a City

A free community screening of the award-winning climate documentary How to Power a City took place on April 27, 2026 at The Screening Room in Newburyport.

Co-presented by Storm Surge and the City of Newburyport Energy Advisory Committee, the event brought residents together to explore practical solutions to climate change through renewable energy. The 72-minute film highlights real-world projects across six U.S. locations, showcasing how communities are adopting solar and wind power despite political and economic challenges. Following the screening, director Melanie La Rosa joined attendees for a live Q&A, offering insight into the film’s creation and the broader movement for climate action.

Praised for its solutions-focused approach, the documentary has received multiple “best of fest” nominations, including honors for Best Feature Documentary and Best Director. La Rosa’s work emphasizes how individuals and communities can contribute to addressing climate change, a message that resonated strongly in coastal Newburyport, where climate impacts are increasingly tangible.

Supported in part by the Newburyport Cultural Council, the event aimed to inspire local engagement and spark meaningful conversations about renewable energy and community-driven climate solutions