Films for Action: The Line We Crossed

Films for Action

Come join us for an eye-opening evening at St Paul's Church West Hackney where we will be screening thought-provoking films that explore the boundaries we push in society. Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and engaged in discussions that will make you reflect on the world we live in. This event is a great opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and be part of a community passionate about creating positive change. Don't miss out on this unique experience!

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 unravelling 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. Yet, as resistance grows, new laws restrict protest rights. For two years the film makers 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.

Panellists

Rosa Hicks – Rosa became interested in Nonviolent Direct Action (NVDA) while getting involved in XR in the lead up to the 2019 April Rebellion. Early July 2023 she engaged in Just Stop Oil. She was part of the slow marching campaign, has engaged in multiple cultural actions, and most recently spent 6 months on remand at HMP Bronzefield for her involvement in the Just Stop Oil airports campaign. She received a 15 month sentence for a “conspiracy to cause a public nuisance”.

Cathy Eastburn – Defend our Juries. London-based musician and environmentalist. Understanding the need for ordinary people to step up into nonviolent direct action, she has taken part in numerous actions with Extinction Rebellion, Insulate Britain and Just Stop Oil. In 2023 she was wrongfully arrested for Perverting the Court of Justice, a charge that carries a max sentence of life in prison, simply for putting up posters along the road outside a court, reminding the public of their rights if they’re on a jury. Following this she helped set up the campaign group Defend Our Juries

Sam Griffith – Just Stop Oil. Sam was arrested numerous times during the Just Stop Oil slow marching campaign and was remanded in prison after walking down a road for just 20 minutes. He also took part in a nonviolent action with This Is Rigged, for which he received a 16 month sentence. This was the longest ever sentence for peaceful protest given by a Scottish court. He was released on the successful appeal of his sentence on the 29th of July after serving four months.