Everybody to Kenmure Street is a groundbreaking documentary film that serves as a visceral time capsule of community-led resistance. Premiering at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival on January 22, 2026, the film has immediately garnered critical acclaim for its raw and unapologetic portrayal of modern activism. Directed by BAFTA-winner Felipe Bustos Sierra and executive produced by Oscar-winner Emma Thompson, this cinematic achievement explores the limits of state power when faced with the unyielding wall of neighborly love. It captures the heart-stopping eight-hour standoff in Glasgow that turned a quiet residential street into a global symbol of defiance against unjust immigration policies.
Directed by: Felipe Bustos Sierra
Written by: Felipe Bustos Sierra
Produced by: Ciara Barry (barry crerar) & Felipe Bustos Sierra
Starring: Lakhvir Singh, Sumit Sehdev, and the Pollokshields Community
Cinematography: Kirstin McMahon
Edited by: Colin Monie
Music by: Barry Burns (of Mogwai)
Choreographer: N/A (Live Action Documentary)
Release Date: 22 January 2026 (Sundance Premiere)
Running Time: 98 Minutes
Country: Scotland / United Kingdom
Language: English
Dubbing: International Subtitles Available
Budget: Supported by National Lottery & Screen Scotland
OTT Platform: TBD (Festival Circuit Premiere)
OTT Release Date: Expected Late 2026
About the Movie
The documentary meticulously reconstructs the events of May 13, 2021, when a Home Office "dawn raid" in Glasgow's Pollokshields district was halted by a massive, spontaneous protest. Unlike standard documentaries, Bustos Sierra uses crowd-sourced mobile footage combined with archive film and verbatim set-designed scenes. This unique visual language places the viewer right in the middle of the crowd, feeling the escalating tension as police reinforcements arrive to find a community that refuses to budge. The film highlights how a single text alert transformed into a 2,000-strong human shield, protecting Lakhvir Singh and Sumit Sehdev from deportation. It is a stirring look at what happens when ordinary people decide that the law of the land is less important than the lives of their neighbors.
About the Cast
The "cast" is the community itself. While Lakhvir and Sumit provide the emotional anchor, the film gives a voice to the diverse faces of Kenmure Street—Sikh residents, local students, grandmothers, and activists. A standout figure is the "unnamed van man," whose courageous act of sliding under the immigration vehicle for hours became the physical anchor of the protest. By using verbatim testimonies delivered through actors for those who wished to remain anonymous, the film protects the real-life participants while ensuring their stories of bravery and fear are heard with absolute clarity.
Message of the Movie
At its core, Everybody to Kenmure Street is a masterclass in intersectional solidarity. The message is clear: the power of the people is stronger than the people in power. It challenges the "hostile environment" policy and explores how collective action can dismantle systemic racism. It celebrates Glasgow’s long history of civil disobedience, from the suffragettes to modern-day strikes, proving that justice is often found on the streets rather than in courtrooms. It is a joyful, albeit intense, reminder that we are all responsible for the safety of our community members.
Should You Watch This Movie?
If you are seeking inspiration in politically turbulent times, this is a must-watch. It is a "feel-good war movie" where the weapons are chants and presence rather than violence. The score by Mogwai’s Barry Burns adds a haunting, driving energy to the footage, making the 98-minute runtime feel like a high-stakes thriller. It is particularly recommended for those interested in social justice, human rights, and the power of grassroots movements.
However, be prepared for an emotional ride. The film does not shy away from the trauma of the dawn raid or the intimidating presence of the police. It is a powerful educational tool that demonstrates how one person’s choice to stand up (or lie down) can ignite a movement. This isn't just a movie for Glaswegians; it's a film for anyone who believes in the sanctity of "home."
Family & Friends Warning: This documentary is suitable for families and friends. It is an excellent resource for discussing social responsibility with young adults. Note that it contains scenes of police standoffs and emotional distress that may be intense for younger children.