Kenmure Street Uprising: The Documentary That Shook Sundance 2026

Few documentaries manage to capture the spirit of a moment quite like Everybody to Kenmure Street. This powerful film, making waves at Sundance 2026, delivers a story whose urgency and relevance stretch well beyond its Scottish setting.

Unpacking the Kenmure Street Stand-Off

At the heart of the film is a dramatic act of civil resistance. When government officials attempt to detain two men in one of Scotland’s most diverse neighborhoods, the local community springs into action. Neighbors flood the street, surrounding the van and even going so far as to crawl beneath it, clinging to the axle to block the authorities from carrying out the deportation. This spontaneous show of solidarity has been called

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

Though the events unfolded in Glasgow in 2021, the film’s themes echo recent American experiences with immigration raids and the ongoing fight against xenophobia. The story’s resonance is unmistakable, highlighting how discrimination and the struggle for human rights are global issues that touch every community.

Community Power and Unfiltered Storytelling

What sets Everybody to Kenmure Street apart is its unwavering perspective. The film doesn’t wade into debates over right and wrong; it stands firm, presenting the attempted deportation as an injustice and the neighbors’ actions as heroic. It’s a tribute to the strength found in unity and the impact ordinary people can have when they come together for a just cause.

Despite the sobering reality that such events are necessary, the film radiates hope. The closing text drives home the frustration and sadness that people must fight simply to live in peace, but it also spotlights the compassion and courage that still exist. The challenge, the film suggests, is inspiring more people to care and act.

Immersive Filmmaking and Celebrity Involvement

Director Felipe Bustos Sierra crafts the story with a tight, suspenseful pace, keeping the runtime at a brisk 98 minutes. The documentary blends interviews with raw news footage and on-the-ground video, pulling viewers directly into the chaos and emotion of the day. The narrative unfolds chronologically, building tension and keeping audiences guessing, even if they know the outcome.

Adding a unique twist, some roles—like the now-famous “Van Man”—are portrayed by celebrities, including Emma Thompson, who read the real statements of those involved to protect their identities. While this approach might seem like a way to draw extra attention, it serves a practical purpose, though some might argue that traditional anonymity methods could have worked just as well.

A Timely Call to Action

Even with its occasional indulgences, the film’s message is too important to ignore. It’s being hailed as the first essential documentary of 2026, a story that urges viewers to stand up for what’s right. The courage shown by the Kenmure Street community offers a powerful reminder of what’s possible when people refuse to stay silent.

Everybody to Kenmure Street is featured at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, running January 22 to February 1 in Park City, Utah, and streaming online from January 29 to February 1.