French Film wins big at Monte Carlo!
September wins Best British Film at Encounters!
French Film gets US and UK deals
Heavy Load are interviewed on Radio 4!
Heavy Load gets 4 stars from Total Film
Heavy Load wins Audience Award at Britdoc
September director named one of Screen's Stars of Tomorrow
Los Angeles Times gives Heavy Load a great review
Heavy Load Gig in New York
Heavy Load premieres at South by Southwest
Heavy Load Review in the Austin Chronicle
Heavy Load gets 4 stars from Total Film
Heavy Load "I fell in love with them because they were happy," says director Jerry Rothwell of Sussex punk band Heavy Load, several of whose middle-aged members have learning disabilities. Shot over a two-year period, this warm and perceptive rockumentary follows the group in its efforts to record an album (nattily title The Queen Mother's Dead) and plays gigs at mainstream music venues. The film demolishes stereotypes of the mentally challenged, celebrating the energy, desires and ambitions of its protags. There's charismatic singer Simon, who adds swearwords to cover versions, the laid-back Jim with his passion for nature and rambling and drummer Michael, who hopes to live independently and find a girlfriend. Lyrically, meanwhile, it's clear these boys have talent: "We love George Michael because he's gay all week and gay at weekends." By Tom Dawson
Daily Express
Wondrous Oblivion: "Once again a modest British feature is one of the week's high points... a lovingly crafted tale deftly mixing social history, personal drama and warm-hearted nostalgia... thoughtful, sensitively handled and expertly acted ... a poignant family film that brings the past vividly alive."
