Hackers are traditionally viewed as renegade computer nerds wreaking havoc on innocent citizens, but a lot of hackers are do-it-yourself (DIY) electricians, programmers, security consultants and artists who may operate in gray areas yet to be defined by law.

“Hacker Ethic” is a provocative feature documentary that explores the politics and culture of the latest generation of hackers.

Although hackers vary in range from being total social misfits to high-tech entrepreneurs, their independence is in the same spirit that pioneered this country. Their skills have driven them to test the ethical boundaries of ownership, security, privacy and censorship.

News coverage is mired with the election, terrorists and wars. Trendy court cases and publicity-driven appearances cause judicial gridlock. All of which dominate prime-time news. In the meantime, domestic conversations about how technology is forging ahead of our laws are brimming under the public’s radar in heated, constitutional debates.

This film aims to cover the debates and culture clambering on the cutting edge of emerging technologies.