A behind the scenes documentary telling the story of a band of learning disabled musicians has won a special award at a prestigious film festival.
The film charting the journey of Ultimate Thunder, heralded ‘the most punk rock band in Britain’, was one of only six music documentaries to be premiered at Sheffield DocFest.
Ultimate Thunder is a group of Leeds-based musicians with learning disabilities and autism.
Its lead singer is Matthew Watson who is supported to follow his passion for music by Beeston-based learning disability charity Hft.
The film, made by documentary maker Ben Brown, prompted a standing ovation and was presented with the festival’s Audience Award.
Each feature film premiering in the six-day programme was eligible for the award, and festival-goers voted in their thousands for their favourite films.
The film captures the last three years of the band and its determination to overcome a range of challenges, from having its funding withdrawn to Matthew temporarily losing his voice.
The evening included a screening of the film followed by a question and answer session and a performance by the band.
Lead singer Matthew said:
“It’s been wonderful appearing at Sheffield DocFest.
“I am really proud of the documentary and it’s been unbelievable to watch it all together as friends.”
The film, which includes footage captured by the band themselves, received an enthusiastic reaction from the audience with one filmgoer describing it as a ‘rollercoaster of emotions.”
Talking about winning the Audience Award, documentary maker Ben said:
“It means so much to all of us, myself and the band are beyond chuffed. We’ve always admired the past winners of this award, and the festival itself, so to be in this position feels a bit surreal.
“Premiering and screening the film at the festival already felt like an unexpected achievement, so winning a people-voted award is incredibly meaningful and a lovely surprise.
“Matthew is one in a billion. Music has such a profound effect on him, no matter what style and it brings him to life.
“This is exactly why we made the film: for audiences to see it, for everyday people to fall in love with the band as we filmmakers have, and for people with learning disabilities, autism and Down syndrome to take centre stage in an authentic way.”
Work for the band however, doesn’t stop. Ultimate Thunder has a gig in Leeds this month and performances in Belgium and Sweden are also planned – along with their third album.
The band is made up of Matthew as lead singer, Alex Sykes on synth, Kenneth Stainburn on bass, John Densley on synth and Scott Anderson on drums. James Hesslewood, who is Ultimate Thunder’s lead guitarist and founder, co manages the band with producer James Mabbett.
Matthew, 58, has been supported by the learning disability charity Hft for over a decade and lives in supported accommodation in Leeds.
The support Matthew receives from the charity has enabled him to grow in confidence, become more independent, follow his hobbies and pursue his passions and dreams.
This post is based on a press release issued on behalf of Hft
Photo: Matthew on stage in a still from the film
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