438 Days

The gripping documentary "Crossing the Line" unfolds the harrowing tale of Swedish journalists Martin Schibbye and Johan Persson as they defy all odds to shed light on the conflict-ridden Ogaden region in Somalia. In June 2011, driven by their journalistic convictions, they decided to risk it all by illegally crossing into Ethiopia, a journey that took months of research and planning. Their mission was to report on the devastating impact of the ruthless oil hunt on the region's population. However, fate had other plans for them as they found themselves shot, wounded and captured by the Ethiopian army just five days into their treacherous journey.This was only the beginning of a much more profound narrative. As their initial reportage met an abrupt end, the real story began - a tale intertwined with lawlessness, propaganda, and global politics. Their eleven-year prison sentence for terrorism was not just their own battle, but also that of their fellow inmates - journalists, writers, and politicians who found themselves imprisoned for standing up against dictatorship. The film transitions from the theme of oil to ink, as their reportage transforms into a fight for survival within the infamous Kality prison in Addis Ababa. "Crossing the Line" offers an intimate view into the lives of these courageous individuals who dared to challenge the norm and paid a heavy price for it.