Liz Smith

Human Rights Documentary Filmmaker

Liz is an award-winning British independent investigative filmmaker. Her work explores the forces driving populism and democratic backsliding, and the systems of power that enable them. Her films are shaped by years of research into these issues, but she believes analysis alone is not enough. By spending extended time with communities on the frontline of political and social change, she develops a deeper understanding of the lived realities behind these movements, while also scrutinising the institutions and individuals who shape them. Working within the observational documentary discipline, her films seek to humanise rather than judge, while holding those in power to account.

Documentaries

In Production

Nowhere To Go

An investigation into Europe's asylum system and its human toll.

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2025

The Conspiracists

A road trip across America with a MAGA conspiracy theorist sentenced for her role in the storming of the US Capitol.

→ Official Site

2025

The Line We Crossed

A British story of dissent — tracing the quiet unravelling of protest rights through those who stood in defiance.

→ Official Site

2021

I Am Gen Z

How the digital revolution is reshaping the minds and mental health of the first fully connected generation.

→ Official Site

Upcoming Screenings & Events

27 May 2026

Screening + Q&A

The Line We Crossed

BLOC Cinema, Bethnal Green

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30 May 2026

Screening

The Conspiracists

Bertha Dochouse, London — 2pm

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05 Jun 2026

Screening + Q&A

The Line We Crossed

Castlehaven / EcoDocs, Camden

→ Book tickets

Recent Articles, Essays & Press

25 May 2026

Essay

Pointless Cruelty

Stories from a filming trip to Dunkirk

→ Read on Substack

15 May 2026

Interview

BBC Radio 4 & World Service

The World Tonight

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21 Apr 2026

Q&A Recording

The Conspiracists: Q&A

Bertha DocHouse

→ Watch

21 Apr 2026

Press

"I Hadn't Anticipated Developing Empathy for Them"

Byline Times — Hardeep Matharu

→ Read

19 Apr 2026

Essay

Requiem For Protest IV

Can we stop arresting harmless humans please?

→ Read on Substack

02 Apr 2026

Interview

Soho Radio

The Conspiracists

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16 Mar 2026

Essay

Filming History in Real Time

How the meaning of "The Line We Crossed" has evolved over 70 screenings

→ Read on Substack

06 Mar 2026

Essay

Is anticipatory repression the UK's new normal?

Conspiracy to come up with a reason to arrest anyone they want

→ Read on Substack