J6 Films and Margot Films have announced that Harder Than the Rock: The Cimarons Story, a feature film directed by Durham-based filmmaker Mark Warmington, will be released in UK cinemas this October.
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.
The film first premiered at Sheffield DocFest in June and received a standing ovation from the crowd.
James Baxter, the 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.
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.’’
Mark Warmington, director of the film 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.”
The film will be released in October inline with Black History Month. A full list of participating cinemas and dates will be released in early September, along with other Q&A events with the Director/Band, hosted by a number of music legends.
