Kenmure Street Uprising: The Documentary Stirring 2026

Every so often, a documentary comes along that manages to bottle the spirit of the times. Everybody to Kenmure Street is one of those rare films, telling a story that’s both urgent and universal, and it’s already being talked about as a must-watch for 2026.

Standing Up on Kenmure Street

This film dives into what’s been called

“one of the most spontaneous and successful acts of civil resistance in recent memory”

. In Scotland’s most multicultural neighbourhood, a government raid set off a chain reaction. Locals quickly gathered, surrounding a van to stop authorities from deporting two men. One bloke even crawled under the vehicle, grabbing onto the axle, refusing to budge. The whole thing unfolded in real time, with neighbours banding together to protect their own.

Echoes Beyond Borders

While the events took place in Glasgow back in 2021, the story feels eerily familiar. The film draws clear lines to the ICE raids that rattled the US in 2025 and continue to make headlines. It’s a stark reminder that discrimination and xenophobia aren’t confined to one country—they’re global issues, affecting communities everywhere.

What sets this documentary apart is its refusal to sit on the fence. There’s no hand-wringing over right and wrong. The attempted removal of these men is shown as flat-out wrong, while the actions of their neighbours are celebrated as brave and necessary. It’s a tribute to the power of community, showing what’s possible when people rally together for basic human decency.

Hope in the Face of Hardship

Despite the heavy subject matter, the film is surprisingly uplifting. It doesn’t shy away from the fact that the world can be a tough place, especially for those just trying to get by. But it also highlights that there are still plenty of people willing to stand up for what’s right. The challenge, as the film points out, is getting more folks to care—but the Kenmure Street story proves it’s possible.

The documentary unfolds like a gripping yarn, letting events play out in order. This approach gives it a natural momentum, keeping punters on edge as the story builds. It’s the sort of tale you might hear spun at the local, only this time, every word is true—no tall stories here.

Filmmaking with Grit and Heart

Director Felipe Bustos Sierra keeps things tight, with a runtime just shy of 100 minutes. There are a few talking heads, but most of the footage comes straight from the scene, putting viewers right in the thick of it. The use of news clips and on-the-ground shots makes the whole thing feel immediate and real.

One unusual touch is the use of celebrity reenactments for some sensitive roles. Well-known faces, including Emma Thompson, read out statements from those involved, helping to protect their identities. It’s a bit of a gimmick, maybe, but it does draw more eyes to the story. Still, you get the sense that a simple silhouette and voice change would’ve done the trick just as well.

Why This Film Matters

Even with a few indulgences, the film’s message is too important to ignore. It’s being called the first essential viewing of the year, and for good reason. The hope is that more people will be inspired to take a stand, just like the Kenmure Street locals. If more of us showed that kind of courage, maybe things would look a bit brighter.

Everybody to Kenmure Street is screening at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, running from late January in Park City and online.