The documentary 'Everybody to Kenmure Street' is a powerful exploration of a spontaneous act of civil resistance in Scotland, highlighting the innate decency of people and the institutional structures that often oppose it. Directed by Felipe Bustos Sierra, the film captures the community's response to a UK Home Office raid in the diverse neighborhood of Pollokshields, Glasgow, in May 2021. The raid aimed to deport two Sikh men of Indian origin, but the residents' swift and peaceful protest turned into an eight-hour stand-off, making international headlines.
The film's unique approach involves using crowd-sourced footage, archive film, and 'set-designed scenes' to tell the story. Bustos Sierra, a Chilean-Belgian filmmaker based in Scotland, discusses the personal connection to the story, having lived close to the event and witnessing the positive outcome of the protest. The director's curiosity about the event's positive impact on a divided world led him to create a film that captures the joy and solidarity of the community.
One of the key elements of the film is the involvement of Emma Thompson, a two-time Oscar winner, who also executive produced the project. Thompson's role adds a layer of humor and surprise, mirroring Glasgow's history of civil disobedience. The film features a diverse cast, including Kate Dickie and Keira Lucchesi, who portray characters like 'Van Man,' a man who decided to lie under the immigration van to stop its departure, and an off-duty nurse who helped him. These characters showcase the community's defiance, mischief, and humor.
Bustos Sierra's previous work, 'Nae Pasaran,' a film about the boycott of Scottish Rolls-Royce factory workers in 1970s Chile, won the best film honor at the BAFTA Scotland Awards. The director's interest in solidarity movements and the element of surprise in 'Everybody to Kenmure Street' create a compelling narrative. The film's production involved a Kickstarter campaign, crowd-sourcing footage, and building relationships with the community to capture their stories.
The documentary's impact on Glaswegians is evident, as it allows people to see themselves in the protest and recognize their contributions. Bustos Sierra's next project involves fictionalizing another act of protest based in Scotland, showcasing his continued interest in exploring the power of community resistance. The film's release and impact demonstrate the enduring relevance of civil resistance and the importance of storytelling in preserving and celebrating such acts.
