There was a time when Ultimate Thunder didn’t think their documentary would make it onto the big screen, but it is now set to premier at Sheffield DocFest.
Image: the band, Ultimate Thunder
At the beginning of this year, Leeds-based punk band Ultimate Thunder were trying to raise money in order to finish their documentary.
The band, whose members are people with learning disabilities and autism, launched a crowdfunding campaign with an aim to raise £20,000 after their funding from The Pyramid of Arts was cut.
Now, the band have announced that not only were they able to finish the project, but the documentary will premier at Sheffield DocFest on 13 June after being selected from more than 3,000 submissions.
Created by Ben Brown, the 98-minute film follows Ultimate Thunder over three years, documenting rehearsals, performances and everyday life as the group pursues its passion for music.
At the heart of the feature is frontman Matthew Watson, who has spent more than a decade developing his music in Leeds with support from national disability charity Hft. Matthew said: ‘I love being in the band and I am really excited about our story being featured at Sheffield DocFest.’
By the same token, Brown said the whole team are ‘buzzing’ to showcase their work. He added: ‘Ultimate Thunder are proof that learning disabled musicians are some of the most creative, exciting, talented artists out there, and we can’t wait for audiences to fall in love with them like we have.
Image: documentary maker Ben Brown
‘Their journey also shows just how important access to the arts and creative opportunities really is. When people are given the opportunity to pursue their passions, incredible things happen.’
- A trailer of the documentary can be viewed here.
The film will be shown to festival audiences that include filmmakers, broadcasters and industry representatives from organisations including Netflix, the BBC, Channel 4, Sky, BAFTA and Amazon Prime.
There couldn’t be a better time to showcase this documentary – the screening comes ahead of Learning Disability Week, which runs from 15 to 21 June and this year is themed ‘Do You See Me?’.
When creating the film, Brown said: ‘The film challenges stereotypes about disability and neurodiversity by celebrating individuality, creativity and community. It’s not about labels. It’s about musicians chasing their dream – and refusing to be silenced.’
Images: Ultimate Thunder and Ben Brown
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