The Line We Crossed

A British story of dissent, drawn from the frontlines of climate resistance. Through the experiences of those who stood in defiance, it traces the quiet unraveling of our protest rights. The film challenges audiences to question what makes dissent effective and where the line of acceptability is.

The right to nonviolent protest is a fundamental pillar of democracy and enshrined in many laws to which the UK government are signatories. For two years we documented how the right to protest in the UK is under threat and how environmental defenders, in particular, are being targeted. We have witnessed first hand how they are being silenced in court, criminalised and are receiving disproportionate punishments for nonviolent protest. 

Liz Smith is a documentary filmmaker. Her work is centered around human rights issues. She is curious about what makes human beings tick, and how psychology and environment drive contemporary behaviour. She is the director of the feature doc “I Am Gen Z” that explores how digital technology has changed the lives and futures of the first generation to grow up with mobile tech in their pockets.