The Line We Crossed – Our Right to Protest
Since the rise of social media, protests and acts of civil disobedience have become more visible than ever, no longer reliant on news outlets spreading the word. However, this doesn’t mean that their depiction is any more straightforward – the framing of these protests has still been manipulated by countless players to promote endless aims, and this has undeniably contributed to a climate where the right to protest is more under threat than ever in the UK.
Exploring the targeting of climate activists by the British government and other institutions, Liz Smith, director of The Line We Crossed, puts herself on the frontline to determine where the ‘line’ is drawn when it comes to protesting. We’ve all seen the actions of groups like Just Stop Oil and Insulate Britain, and more recently how harsh the punishments have been for their acts. Smith not only digs into their lives and motivations here, but also traces how, at every stage, the legal system is eroding their (and our) rights to dissent.
If you’re invested in the future of our planet and the protection of our freedoms (as we all reasonably should be), The Line We Crossed is a frightening and eye-opening must see – and with the director herself giving a Q&A with us for the July 27th screening, Dukes patrons have the opportunity to uncover the uncomfortable truths at the heart of this topic with the film’s creator.
Written by Dr Zoe Crombie
Friday the 27th June
