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“An infectiously engaging and very moving rhapsody for the groundbreaking rebels dubbed ‘the backbone of British reggae’”
Mark Kermode, Kermode & Mayo’s Take
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Special Screenings & Events:
Tuesday 2nd October
Hoochie Coochie, Newcastle
Cimarons Show + Don Letts DJ Set
Tickets on sale here
Thursday 3rd October
Tyneside Cinema, Newcastle
Q&A with Cimarons & Mark Warmington hosted by Don Letts
Tickets on sale here
Saturday 5th October
Curzon Soho, London Premiere
Q&A with Cimarons & Mark Warmington hosted by Don Letts
Followed by Don Letts DJ set
Tickets on sale here
Thursday 10th October
Mocking Bird Cinema, Birmingham
Q&A on the History of UK Reggae with special guest 'Basil Gabbidon'
hosted by Mazzy Snape
Tickets on sale here
Saturday 12th October
Newlyn Film House, Penzance
Q&A with Mark Warmington hosted by Mark Kermode
Tickets on sale here
Monday 14th October
Act One Cinema, London
Q&A with Cimarons & Mark Warmington hosted by Mark Kermode
Tickets on sale here
Harder Than The Rock will be released in UK Cinemas from 3rd October
All screenings include a recorded Q&A with Cimarons & Mark Warmington hosted by DJ Don Letts
Find cinemas, showtimes and more here: |
Margot Films and J6 Films are proud to announce the release of Mark Warmington's feature film, Harder Than The Rock in UK cinemas from 3rd October.
After its Crucible Theatre World Premiere at the prestigious Sheffield DocFest in June, hosted by renowned filmmaker and DJ Don Letts, the film received a standing ovation from the crowd. Harder Than The Rock will now be released in UK cinemas this October, in line with Black History Month.
Harder Than The Rock chronicles the incredible journey of Britain's first reggae band, Cimarons. Formed by teenage Jamaican immigrants in a London bus shelter in 1967, the band were at the forefront of the reggae explosion in the 1970s. Thousands of miles from Jamaica, they brought excitement, experimentation, and sheer anticipation to Black British youth, connecting them to their roots and identity through their powerful music.
Cimarons collaborated with industry legends such as Bob Marley, Toots & the Maytals, Jimmy Cliff, Lee 'Scratch' Perry, and even Paul McCartney. Despite their significant contributions, the band has been largely under-recognised for their music, impact, and legacy. The film poignantly captures their history and follows their final chapter, when, despite losing their beloved drummer Maurice Ellis to cancer, they dream of performing to live audiences - one last time.
From North East-based production companies Margot Films and J6 Films, Harder Than The Rock will be released in UK Cinemas with support from BFI Doc Society, awarding National Lottery funding, and NE Screen.
Mark Warmington, Film Director:
"It’s been an absolute honour to have Cimarons entrust me to tell their story, which started in 1967 and continues to the present day.
If ever a band had an excuse to be bitter and resentful of the music industry, I think Cimarons would be top of the list. The way those guys have been exploited is obscene, but they’ve persevered with dedication, humour and, above all, a commitment and love for reggae music.
I’m delighted that this documentary is now going some way to getting them the recognition they deserve."
James Baxter, the producer of the film added:
"We had a number of offers via distribution companies; however we spent so much time making the film, we wanted to put the same time and effort into releasing the film to the right cinemas at the right time.
We noticed after the Premiere of the film at Sheffiled Doc festival there was a significant ground swell of interest for the band and their music."
Produced by: Margot Films, J6 Films
Theatrical Release Date: 3rd October
Short Synopsis: The fascinating story of Cimarons, the first UK band to embrace the thrilling new sound coming out of Jamaica.
Director: Mark Warmington
Featuring: Locksley Gichie, Franklyn Dunn, Winston Reedy, Maurice Ellis, John Lennon, Mykael S. Riley, Maverick Sabre, General Levy,
Run Time: 99 mins
Cert: 12A
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