Everybody to Kenmure Street has become the second highest-grossing new release in the 52-year history of GFT.
The Glasgow-made film, directed by BAFTA winner Felipe Bustos Sierra, tells the story of the community protest in Glasgow’s Pollokshields.
Taking place on May 13, 2021, the protest saw hundreds of residents block a UK Home Office immigration van in a dramatic eight-hour stand-off that prevented the deportation of their neighbours.
The documentary blends crowd-sourced footage, verbatim testimony, and re-enactment to capture the urgency and solidarity of the community’s response.
Everybody to Kenmure Street has become the second highest grossing new release in the GFT’s history (Image: GFT)
Tabassum Niamat, a community member whose live footage is central to the documentary, 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.
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“To see the film resonate like this, and to know so many people are coming to watch it, means a lot.
“It shows how important that day was, not just for those of us there, but for people across the city.”
The film premiered at the 2026 Glasgow Film Festival with a sold-out gala and later went on to win a Special Jury Award at Sundance.
Eight weeks after its release, it is still continuing to screen at the GFT.
Felipe Bustos Sierra, director, said: “Two months from the release, I keep hearing that this story is an antidote for the times we live in, wherever it screens.
“Thank you so much 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.
“Thanks to the GFT and Conic and everyone who worked on getting this film out for their trust, vision, and efforts, ensuring this could be shared as collective experience with the widest audience possible.”
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A special anniversary Q&A screening will take place at the GFT on Wednesday, May 13, marking five years since the events depicted in the film.
The panel will include lawyer and campaigner Aamer Anwar, Kenmure Street resident Mohammad Asif, Tabassum Niamat, and actor Kate Dickie, known for her roles in Game of Thrones and The Witch.
The GFT is run by Glasgow Film, an educational charity that also operates the Glasgow Film Festival and Glasgow Youth Film Festival.
Glasgow Film is the lead organisation for Film Hub Scotland and is funded by Creative Scotland and Screen Scotland.