The upcoming documentary Everybody To Kenmure Street captures the 2021 Glasgow protest against a Home Office deportation attempt, highlighting community solidarity and activism. With Emma Thompson joining the production, the film seeks to preserve a powerful moment in British protest history and bring fresh attention to immigration issues.
The ongoing production of “Everybody To Kenmure Street” marks a significant commitment to documentary filmmaking that aims to preserve and amplify the events of a pivotal moment in recent British history. This film chronicles the 2021 Kenmure Street protest in Glasgow, where local residents and activists united to block a UK Home Office deportation effort. The unprecedented eight-hour stand-off, which captured widespread attention for its peaceful resistance, highlighted the power of community solidarity and the urgency of migration issues in contemporary Britain.
Directed by Felipe Bustos Sierra and produced by the Glasgow-based company Barry Crerar, the documentary is distinguished not only by its engaging narrative but also by the range of perspectives it encompasses. The filmmakers have amassed extensive footage from the day’s events, which allows for a multifaceted exploration of the protest. Emma Thompson, a renowned actress and advocate for social justice, has recently joined the production team, bringing heightened visibility to the project. “Everybody To Kenmure Street beautifully and powerfully demonstrates the innate and deep decency of our people whilst also highlighting the institutional mannerisms and structures that are the opposite of this,” Thompson stated, expressing her enthusiasm for the project and the significance of the story being told.
The protest, which took place in the Pollokshields area, was not merely a reaction to a single deportation attempt; it represented a broader history of resistance against systemic injustices faced by immigrant communities. The events on that day were part of a growing tide of civic activism in the UK, reflecting public demand for more compassionate immigration policies. The film aims to capture not only the protest’s action but also the emotional and social dimensions that fuel collective behaviour under duress.
In a show of community resilience, local residents had organised a peaceful vigil prior to the protest to demonstrate their unity against the Home Office’s aggressive tactics. This sense of togetherness is a crucial theme that the filmmakers aim to convey, emphasising that protests like those at Kenmure Street are more than just spontaneous events; they arise from deeply rooted community connections and shared values.
The documentary is currently in production and has successfully launched a crowdfunding campaign, raising over £10,000 to support its completion. The public’s engagement reflects a recognition of the importance of documenting such significant moments in protest history. Anticipation is building as the filmmakers prepare to showcase the first-look footage at the Docs 2025 Scotland Showcase during the Cannes Film Festival, where the global film community will have the opportunity to witness this powerful narrative.
Filming during the protest revealed personal acts of defiance that became emblematic of the day, such as an individual dubbed ‘Van Man,’ who crawled beneath the immigration enforcement vehicle in an act of physical resistance. This moment, alongside countless others captured on film, serves to illustrate the transformative power of civic action, galvanising community members and drawing international attention to the plight of those threatened by deportation.
The connection between grassroots activism and broader societal issues is something that resonates deeply with Thompson, who has previously been involved in various social and environmental causes. Her commitment is evident not just in this film but also in her participation in climate action initiatives, reflecting a broader narrative of the fight for justice, whether it’s for immigrant rights or environmental sustainability.
“Everybody To Kenmure Street” stands as a testament to the community’s courage and compassion, reflecting the notion that when faced with systemic injustices, ordinary people can rise to extraordinary challenges. The film promises to be more than just a recounting of events; it is poised to serve as an important record of activism, urging current and future generations to consider their role in advocating for a more equitable society.
As the world watches these stories unfold, “Everybody To Kenmure Street” reinforces the importance of visibility, empathy, and collective resilience in the face of adversity.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25170605.emma-thompson-joins-kenmure-street-documentary-producer/?ref=rss – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25170605.emma-thompson-joins-kenmure-street-documentary-producer/?ref=rss – The article reports that actress Emma Thompson has joined the production team of a documentary about the 2021 Kenmure Street protest in Glasgow. The film, titled ‘Everybody To Kenmure Street,’ is being produced by Glasgow-based company Barry Crerar, with director Felipe Bustos Sierra. The documentary aims to chronicle the events of the eight-hour stand-off when residents and campaigners blocked a UK Home Office deportation in Pollokshields. The film is currently in production and seeking completion funds, distribution, and sales. A first-look footage will be shown at the Docs 2025 Scotland Showcase at Cannes.
- https://www.thenational.scot/news/24420926.film-shines-new-spotlight-kenmure-street-protest/ – This article discusses a new documentary directed by Felipe Bustos Sierra, titled ‘Everybody to Kenmure Street,’ which focuses on the 2021 Kenmure Street protest in Glasgow. The film aims to shed light on the events of the protest and the broader history of resistance. A crowdfunding campaign has been launched to support the documentary’s production, with over £10,000 raised so far. The campaign page emphasizes the importance of documenting these events and creating an authentic record of protest history.
- https://www.scotsman.com/news/people/kenmure-street-protest-neighbours-organise-peaceful-vigil-to-show-home-office-they-are-a-strong-community-who-just-want-to-protect-each-other-3237541 – The article reports on residents of Kenmure Street in Glasgow organizing a peaceful vigil to demonstrate their unity and strength as a community. This follows the Home Office’s attempt to deport two residents, which led to a large-scale protest. The vigil aims to show that the community is not a ‘mob’ but a strong, protective group. The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 15, and is part of the community’s ongoing efforts to support their neighbors and resist deportation actions.
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000zrw1 – This BBC Radio Scotland program, ‘Our Story,’ revisits the Kenmure Street protest in Glasgow. The episode explores the events of the protest, including the actions of ‘Van Man’ who crawled under the immigration enforcement van to prevent its movement, and the subsequent gathering of hundreds of protesters. The program features interviews with several individuals who were present on the day, providing a personal account of the civic defiance that garnered international attention.
- https://www.independent.co.uk/climate-change/news/emma-thompson-london-just-stop-oil-dale-vince-chris-packham-b2567089.html – The article reports on Dame Emma Thompson’s participation in a ‘Restore Nature Now’ march in London, organized by Just Stop Oil. The march aimed to persuade politicians to prioritize nature and climate action. Thompson, along with other celebrities and activists, joined thousands of people in the demonstration. She expressed her support for the movement, emphasizing the need to leave fossil fuels in the ground to address the climate crisis.
- https://www.euronews.com/green/2020/04/30/oscar-winner-emma-thompson-stars-in-new-extinction-rebellion-film – This article discusses a new short film starring Emma Thompson about Extinction Rebellion, depicting a fictionalized version of the group’s protests. The film, titled ‘Extinction,’ tells the story of climate activists meeting with the Environment Minister during an ongoing rebellion. Thompson, who participated in the climate protests, highlights the importance of immediate action in the face of the climate crisis. The film is available to view online for free and aims to illustrate the frustration of trying to engage government officials on environmental issues.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative discusses ongoing production and recent developments, such as the involvement of Emma Thompson and crowdfunding efforts. However, it references a 2021 event, which may suggest that some information is not entirely new.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
The quote attributed to Emma Thompson could not be verified through early online sources. This might indicate that the quote is original or not widely reported previously.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from Herald Scotland, a reputable regional news outlet known for its coverage of local and national issues.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about the documentary and the events it covers are plausible and align with historical records of the Kenmure Street protest. The involvement of Emma Thompson adds credibility to the project.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is well-supported by the plausibility of the events described and the involvement of known figures like Emma Thompson. The source is reliable, and while the freshness is generally good, the reference to a 2021 event might suggest some information is not entirely new.
