Documentary They're Here Released on Minneapolis Resistance
Filmmakers Rachel Lauren Mueller and Laura Poitras explore local opposition to Operation Metro Surge.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Documentary
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The documentary They're Here, directed by Rachel Lauren Mueller and Laura Poitras, has been released to chronicle resistance efforts against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Minneapolis. The film aims to document the response to Operation Metro Surge following the killing of Renee Good.
Why it matters
The 25-minute film provides a localized look at community activism surrounding federal immigration operations. It serves as a visual record of the specific public resistance efforts that emerged in Minneapolis following the death of Renee Good.
The documentary features a concise 25-minute runtime. It has already secured screenings at major international events including the Venice Film Festival and the New York Film Festival.
The players
Rachel Lauren Mueller
She is a filmmaker who co-directed the documentary They're Here to explore local resistance efforts.
Laura Poitras
She is a filmmaker who co-directed the project and initiated the search for footage regarding the killing of Renee Good.
Adam Mellion
He is a co-producer who connected the project's directors.
Renee Good
She is the individual whose death prompted the collection of footage for the documentary.
The details
Co-producer Adam Mellion facilitated the collaboration between Rachel Lauren Mueller and Laura Poitras for this project. Filming commenced after Poitras requested local footage specifically covering the aftermath of the killing of Renee Good.
Timeline
October 7, 2026: Minneapolis debut of They're Here at the Riverview Theater.
November 4, 2026: Screening of the film at the Cedar Cultural Center.
Industry Dynamics
This documentary follows the ongoing trend of filmmakers utilizing short-form projects to provide immediate documentation of current social and political movements. The film positions itself within a broader market of independent activist media that bypasses traditional long-form distribution models.
Local viewers can access the film through screenings at neighborhood venues such as the Riverview Theater and the Cedar Cultural Center. The initial October 7, 2026, showing is already sold out, indicating high demand for seating at early public screenings.
The takeaway
The project demonstrates how independent filmmakers are increasingly using short-form documentary media to capture and archive grassroots community responses to federal operations. Viewers interested in social activism should monitor local arts venue schedules for future screening opportunities.
What happens next
A follow-up screening of the film is scheduled for November 4, 2026, at the Cedar Cultural Center.
Further reading
Explore more local Documentary coverage of artistic projects emerging from the community.
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