Who we are

Ben is a filmmaker and creative educator working across Europe, Southern Africa and South America. He specialises in turning research and community knowledge into documentary films that move audiences and inform action. Topics include mental health, social housing, food security, urban nature, drone warfare and refugee experience. Skilled from project development through to filming and post-production, he collaborates with partners to translate complex issues into accessible stories that build public support and measurable impact. Alongside film and multimedia collaborations, he designs teaching programmes that connect evidence, lived experience and tools for change.

Pierre is the creator and strategic lead of ATLA Labs. A consultant and facilitator with over 15 years’ experience, he has worked with global companies including Accenture, EY, GE, Sony, and Deloitte on research and strategy engagements, while founding local initiatives that advance sustainability, gender equity, and education. He is the author of Talking to Iran and producer of the documentary Atuel. His experience bridges global consulting and community-led innovation, combining business acumen and systems thinking to grow ATLA into a scalable model for collective transformation.

Ellie's practice centres on community stories, place and futures, using emerging technology to make change tangible. She blends strategy with hands-on delivery. PRINCE2-trained with a regeneration background, she turns complex, multi-partner ideas into clear plans and accountable delivery. She provides calm and ethical leadership, and creates purposeful, supportive environments for collaborators.

Gayle is a leading voice on methodology. She applies auto/biographical, autoethnographic, feminist and creative approaches. With 35 years’ experience teaching, researching, supervising and mentoring, she designs and delivers creative practice workshops, collage, fiction and memoir, that turn ideas into accessible storytelling and meaningful engagement. Her expertise spans reproduction and identity, love and loneliness, health and wellbeing.

Donna combines applied research with partnership building for nature-based land management. She designs programmes for conservation tasks alongside wellbeing outcomes. Skills include ecological planning, biochar and soil monitoring, equine-assisted practice, training and stakeholder engagement. She champions joyful, practical climate action that supports biodiversity, people and place. Donna provides support and advice to ATLA on a pro bono basis.

Alastair specialises in evidence-led programme design. He develops theories of change, sets up mixed-methods evaluation, and turns findings into useful learning for teams and funders. He brings systems thinking, ethics and rigour while keeping methods proportionate and human. Interests include sustainability, community empowerment and open knowledge.

Nbuwak works at the intersection of food systems, rural development, renewable energy, gender equity and resilience across Africa and the UK. She uses participatory methods, co-production, photovoice, storytelling and oral histories, to centre lived realities. She designs and leads programmes in food sovereignty and agroecology, and uses film and creative workshops to make knowledge accessible and shift narratives. Her practice foregrounds women’s power, autonomy and knowledge in thriving communities.