Light projection as a form of protest, what some call “temporary graffiti,”
has been on the rise over the past decade. Yet it remains largely unregulated
by American law, spurring an ongoing debate over whether it truly qualifies as
“free speech.”
SYNOPSIS
Over the past decade, advancements in projection technology have made devices smaller, cheaper, and more powerful—opening new avenues for protest. Activists across the political spectrum are increasingly using this technology, creating what some call “temporary graffiti.” This form of protest, largely unregulated by U.S. law, blurs the line between free expression and property rights. Supporters argue that projecting messages is no different from dropping a banner or holding a sign, while critics say it infringes on property owners’ control. In the handful of legal battles that have arisen, courts have sided with activists, ruling that free speech takes precedence over the temporary inconvenience caused by these light displays. However, a new Florida law sparked by anti-Semitic projections has brought this issue into the spotlight, imposing harsh penalties on unsanctioned light projections. This legislation has prompted concerns about its constitutionality, reigniting the debate over the limits of free speech. Who should decide what lights up our night skies? Should it be advertisers, governments, or property owners? These projections challenge traditional notions of protest and raise age-old questions about free speech in a digital era, where fleeting messages become part of our collective memory, captured and shared across the internet.
Director’s statement
In a society where it’s easy to feel powerless—even if you're attending protests, putting up signs, or posting online—projection protest offers something uniquely impactful. It’s big, bright, and commanding. By temporarily taking over the facade of a building, often one that represents power, it transforms the space into a stage for dissent.
The first time I witnessed projection protest in person was during the 2020 George Floyd protests outside the White House, a moment captured at the beginning of this film. I watched as messages like “Dissent is Patriotic” and “Demilitarize the Police” were projected onto army trucks and the walls of nearby buildings. It was a striking experience—one of the most powerful protests I’ve ever seen, not only because of the passionate crowd but because of how the projection boldly and creatively reclaimed public space
Growing up, I was taught that everyone has the right—perhaps even the duty—to speak out against injustice. My Quaker upbringing emphasized non-violent resistance, and I learned stories of dissent, from Quakers sheltering people escaping slavery to offering sanctuary to Vietnam War draft dodgers. While the Quaker idea of "the light" symbolized truth and justice, what fascinated me more was the act of dissent itself, and the importance of challenging power.
This democratization of protest gives normal people the means to shine a literal light on injustice. In many ways, it’s the essence of dissent, one that pushes boundaries and forces us to re-examine where we draw the line between expression and intrusion.
WATCH THE TRAILER
CONTACT
Contact Projecting Protest Impact Producer, Micah Tsoi, at Projectingprotest@tom-clement.com or use the form below.
