Within the never-ending cycle of ‘once in a lifetime’ current affairs, it’s easy to forget that moments of unity also decorate the history books. But during the opening scenes of director Felipe Bustos Sierra’s Everybody To Kenmure Street, a dreamy soundtrack flickers through a montage of Glasgow’s past. Crowds filling the streets in protest leave a tingle in the spine, and guide us to an occasion never more relevant to today: the events of 13 May 2021. 

The people of Pollokshields are pragmatic as they depict that early morning of Eid day. After a dawn raid is carried out, the pyjama-clad residents mix with those on their way to work, school and mosque, spilling into the road to film the police and help two men who have been taken to an immigration enforcement van. In the centre of the chaos, Emma Thompson portrays Van Man, a quick thinker who has crawled underneath the vehicle, willing to risk everything to protect their multicultural neighbourhood. From inside the van, the men’s story stands out against the noise as they are kept in the dark, mirroring the ease at which refugee’s rights are dismissed by authorities.

As civil activists join the crowd, the documentary charts the history of those who suffered and paid for Scotland’s wealth, and shows the passionate Glaswegian attitude of fellowship in an era of division. Defying police tactics outside their homes with good will, stubborn hearts and a twinkle in their eyes, Everybody To Kenmure Street is a remarkable depiction of the tremendous strength of community. 

Everybody To Kenmure Street is in cinemas from Friday 13 March; reviewed as part of Glasgow Film Festival.

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