A new film, revealing the untold story of the UK’s first reggae band, is coming to Greater Manchester next month.
The only upcoming Greater Manchester showing of Harder Than The Rock: The Cimarons Story is at The Vale, Mossley, Tameside, on Wednesday 6 November 2024.
Harder Than The Rock chronicles the incredible journey of Cimarons, a band formed by a group of teenage migrants in a London bus shelter in 1967. Thousands of miles from their Jamaican homeland, they brought excitement, experimentation and sheer anticipation to a new generation of Black British youth, putting them in touch with their roots.
The film premiered at Sheffield DocFest in June where it received a standing ovation. It celebrates Cimarons’ history and explores the band’s overlooked impact and influence as they persevere against all odds and dream of playing to live audiences again. It was released on 11 October 2024.
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 once again performing live.
Harder Than The Rock: The Cimarons Story is now on limited release, with The Vale in Mossley one of only a handful of showings outside of London.
James Baxter, producer of the film, said: “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.”
Mark Warmington, director, said: “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.”
Rhea Leach, marketing manager, The Vale, said: “Debuting during Black History Month, this screening at The Vale underscores our commitment to celebrating the cultures and contributions of the world year-round as evidenced by our events calendar.
“At The Vale, the programming extends beyond designated heritage months, highlighting diverse voices and stories from across the globe in a continued testament to the richness of the diaspora’s cultural legacy.”
The Vale’s intimate 90 seat digital theatre, boasts Dolby 7.1 surround sound, a large format screen, and a fully stocked bar.
