Did a Glasgow Immigration Protest Documentary Just Win a Sundance Award?

A documentary film titled Everyone to Kenmure Street has garnered significant acclaim, winning the Special Jury Award at the Sundance Film Festival. This film chronicles the extraordinary community response during a Home Office immigration raid in Glasgow on 13 May 2021, where local residents successfully intervened to prevent the detention and deportation of two neighbours.

Last updated: 25 February 2024 (BST)

What’s happening now

The documentary Everyone to Kenmure Street has made a significant impact at the Sundance Film Festival, highlighting the power of community activism in the face of government actions perceived as unjust. With its recent recognition, the film is set to premiere in the UK as the Opening Gala at the Glasgow Film Festival on 25 February 2024. Following this, it will be released in selected cinemas across the UK and Ireland starting 13 March 2024.

Key takeaways

Film Recognition: Everyone to Kenmure Street won the Special Jury Award at Sundance for its portrayal of civil resistance.
Community Action: The film documents a successful grassroots effort to prevent an immigration raid in a Glasgow neighbourhood.
Release Dates: The film will be screened at the Glasgow Film Festival and will have a wider UK and Irish release in March 2024.

Timeline: how we got here

The events surrounding Everyone to Kenmure Street unfolded as follows:

13 May 2021: A Home Office immigration raid takes place in Pollokshields, Glasgow, leading to community intervention.
25 February 2024: The film has its UK premiere at the Glasgow Film Festival.
13 March 2024: The film is set for a wider release in selected UK and Irish cinemas.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The film's victory at the Sundance Film Festival highlights new recognition for grassroots movements and civil disobedience in the context of immigration policy. This is particularly relevant as the film's message resonates with ongoing debates around immigration in the UK.

What was already established

Prior to the film's release, the events of 13 May 2021 were widely reported, showcasing the community's quick response to the raid, which included surrounding the Home Office vehicle to prevent the deportation of their neighbours. This kind of activism is part of a larger tradition of civil disobedience in Glasgow, which has historically challenged oppressive policies.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The film not only serves as a poignant reminder of community solidarity but also raises awareness about the implications of immigration policies on individuals and families. As discussions around immigration continue, films like this can influence public perception and policy discourse.

Businesses and jobs

For businesses, particularly those in the creative sector, the film's success at international festivals can lead to increased interest and investment in local productions. It also showcases the potential for storytelling to drive social change, which can inspire other local projects.

Policy and regulation

The film's narrative may bolster calls for more humane immigration policies, as it brings to light the personal stories behind policy decisions. The Scottish Government has previously expressed opposition to UK immigration practices, which could lead to heightened local advocacy for reform in light of the film's message.

Numbers that matter

1: The number of successful community interventions that prevented deportation during the Home Office raid.
100s: The approximate number of residents who participated in the protest, demonstrating significant community solidarity.
2: The number of men whose deportation was halted by the protestors on 13 May 2021.
3: The awards won by director Felipe Bustos Sierra, highlighting his contributions to socially impactful documentaries.
25 February 2024: Date of the UK premiere of Everyone to Kenmure Street at the Glasgow Film Festival.

Definitions and jargon buster

Sundance Film Festival: An annual film festival held in Park City, Utah, showcasing independent film.
Home Office: The UK government department responsible for immigration, security, and law and order.
Civil disobedience: A form of protest where individuals refuse to comply with certain laws or demands of a government.
Documentary: A non-fiction film that documents reality for the purposes of instruction, education, or maintaining a historical record.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the film rolls out in UK cinemas, audiences can engage with its message by attending screenings and participating in discussions around its themes of community and resistance. Local organisations may also organise events to further the conversation about immigration policy.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Expect increased media coverage and public discourse surrounding immigration issues in Scotland and the broader UK as the film gains traction. This could lead to potential community-led initiatives aimed at advocating for policy changes.

Signals to watch

Public attendance and reception of the film during its UK release.
Engagement metrics on social media regarding immigration discourse.
Responses from local and national government officials to the themes presented in the documentary.

Practical guidance

Do

Attend screenings of Everyone to Kenmure Street to support local filmmakers and engage with important social issues.
Participate in community discussions about immigration and civil rights.
Share the film's message on social media to raise awareness.

Don’t

Ignore the ongoing issues surrounding immigration policy in the UK.
Dismiss the power of community action as ineffective.
Assume that one act of civil disobedience cannot lead to broader change.

Checklist

Check local cinema listings for screenings of Everyone to Kenmure Street.
Follow social media accounts related to the film for updates and discussions.
Research local organisations working on immigration advocacy to get involved.
Plan to attend community meetings or forums discussing the film's themes.
Reflect on personal views about immigration and consider ways to engage constructively in the conversation.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Everyone to Kenmure Street shines a light on significant issues, it is essential to recognise that immigration policy is a complex and evolving area. The portrayal of events may not capture every nuance of individual experiences, and responses to the film can vary widely based on personal beliefs about immigration. Additionally, any potential policy changes spurred by the film’s message will depend on broader political dynamics and community engagement.

Bottom line

The success of Everyone to Kenmure Street at Sundance highlights the increasing relevance of grassroots activism in contemporary society. As the film moves towards its UK release, it serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that community solidarity can have in the face of systemic challenges, encouraging viewers to reflect on their roles in advocating for change.

FAQs

What is Everyone to Kenmure Street about?

Everyone to Kenmure Street is a documentary that captures the community response to an immigration raid in Glasgow, where residents intervened to prevent the deportation of their neighbours.

When will the film be released in the UK?

The film will have its UK premiere on 25 February 2024 at the Glasgow Film Festival, followed by a wider release in UK and Irish cinemas on 13 March 2024.

Who directed the documentary?

The film was directed by Felipe Bustos Sierra, a Chilean-Belgian filmmaker based in Scotland, known for his previous work on socially impactful documentaries.