
Don't Let The Bastards Grind You Down is a 2026 documentary about opposition to British neoliberal austerity policies. It follows political campaigning, student activism and industrial action, featuring figures including Dave Nellist and Hannah Sell alongside local campaigners and striking refuse workers.
Don't Let The Bastards Grind You Down is a documentary about the political struggle surrounding British social policy and neoliberal austerity. Its focus reaches from the legacy of the Thatcher government to contemporary campaigns involving workers, students and socialist organizers.
Directed and written by Christoph Farwig, the 66-minute film brings together political figures and campaign participants from several settings, including a miners' town, university protests and a Birmingham refuse workers' strike.
Don't Let The Bastards Grind You Down movie details
| Title | Don't Let The Bastards Grind You Down |
|---|---|
| Release date | |
| Runtime | 1h 6m |
| Genres | Documentary |
| Director | Christoph Farwig |
| Writer | Christoph Farwig |
| Country | Germany, United Kingdom |
| Languages | English |
| Status | Released |
Story without spoilers
The documentary examines resistance to austerity policies associated with the political legacy of the Thatcher government. It features former socialist MP Dave Nellist, now national chair of the Trade Unionist & Socialist Coalition, and Hannah Sell, general secretary of the Socialist Party.
Its reporting follows a local election campaign in Nuneaton, a miners' town; students opposing an increase in tuition fees; and refuse workers in Birmingham taking industrial action against substantial wage cuts. Together, these strands present a portrait of political organizing, trade-union activity and protest in Britain.

What to expect
As a documentary focused on British politics and social policy, the film centers on political argument, campaigning and collective action rather than fictional storytelling. The stated subjects include neoliberal austerity, socialism, trade unions, student activism, local elections and strikes.
The 1-hour-6-minute runtime suggests a compact treatment of these connected subjects. Viewers can expect contributions from named political figures and participants alongside coverage of campaigns and labor disputes, all presented in English.
Cast and creative team
Christoph Farwig directed and wrote the film. The listed cast includes Dave Nellist, Eve Miller, Frankie Hammond, Hannah Ponting, Hannah Sell, Jimmy Briggs, Max McGee, Nick Hart, Onay Kasab and Steeven Biset. The supplied credits do not assign character roles.
- Dave Nellist
- Eve Miller
- Frankie Hammond
- Hannah Ponting
- Hannah Sell
- Jimmy Briggs
- Max McGee
- Nick Hart
- Onay Kasab
- Steeven Biset
Release and production context
Don't Let The Bastards Grind You Down is listed as a 2026 documentary with a release date of November 1, 2026. It runs for 1 hour and 6 minutes, is in English, and is associated with Germany and the United Kingdom. No production companies are listed in the supplied information.
Movies Dock view
With its focus on austerity, organized labor and political campaigning, Don't Let The Bastards Grind You Down offers a concise documentary account of several forms of opposition to British social-policy changes. Its subjects span local politics, education protests and workplace action without moving beyond the supplied political and social context.
Frequently asked questions
What is Don't Let The Bastards Grind You Down about?
It is a documentary about the political struggle against neoliberal austerity policies in Britain and the wider context of British social policy.
Who directed and wrote the film?
Christoph Farwig directed and wrote Don't Let The Bastards Grind You Down.
Which political figures appear in the documentary?
The film features former socialist MP Dave Nellist and Hannah Sell, the general secretary of the Socialist Party.
What events does the documentary cover?
It covers a local election campaign in Nuneaton, student campaigning against increased tuition fees and a Birmingham refuse workers' strike over major wage cuts.
When was the film released?
The listed release date is November 1, 2026.
Film data:
TMDB















