Glasgow-made documentary Everybody to Kenmure Street has become the second highest-grossing new release in the 52-year history of Glasgow Film Theatre, continuing a remarkable run for the locally produced film.
Directed by BAFTA-winning filmmaker Felipe Bustos Sierra, the documentary premiered as the Opening Gala of Glasgow Film Festival 2026 before going on to win a Special Jury Award at Sundance. Eight weeks after release, it remains on screen at GFT.
The milestone comes ahead of a special anniversary Q&A screening on Wednesday 13 May, marking five years since the real-life events depicted in the film. On 13 May 2021, a Home Office dawn raid in Glasgow’s Pollokshields sparked a mass community protest, with hundreds of residents gathering in Kenmure Street to prevent the deportation of their neighbours during an eight-hour stand-off that drew national attention.
Everybody to Kenmure Street blends crowd-sourced footage, verbatim testimony and re-enactments to capture the urgency and solidarity of the day.
For CultureCues, the film’s success feels especially meaningful because it shows there is still a real audience for urgent, local stories told with care, purpose and community at their centre.
The anniversary screening includes a Q&A with lawyer and campaigner Aamer Anwar; Kenmure Street resident Mohammad Asif; community member Tabassum Niamat, whose live-streamed footage is central to the film; and actor Kate Dickie (Game of Thrones, The Witch).
Speaking about the response to the film, Niamat said: “I was one of the first people there when the immigration van arrived, and I began live-streaming what was happening. I stayed until the men were released later that day. Even though I was there, watching the film brought everything back.”
“It captures the tension, the waiting and what it felt like to stand together as a community. Seeing our own footage and our voices on screen has done us proud, and it shows why documenting what’s happening around you really matters.”
Tabassum Niamat
Director Felipe Bustos Sierra added: “This is incredible news! Two months after release, I keep hearing that this story is an antidote for the times we live in. Thank you to everyone who got tickets to watch a Scottish documentary in a cinema. I hope it becomes a frequent decision and many more local stories and filmmakers can feel the love this story has received.”
Everybody to Kenmure Street is directed by Felipe Bustos Sierra and produced by Ciara Barry of Glasgow-based production company barry crerar, with support from the National Lottery through Screen Scotland. The film was released in UK and Irish cinemas on 13 March 2026 by Conic, and is still screening at GFT and in cinemas around the country.
Tickets for the anniversary screening are on sale now via GFT’s Box Office and glasgowfilm.org.
Information provided via Glasgow Film Theatre press materials.
Nikki Murray is a UK-based writer, screenwriter and founder & editor of CultureCues, covering film, television, music and pop culture. Her work focuses on storytelling and the moments shaping modern entertainment.