Cinecity 2026: Ultimate Thunder

Award-winning documentary following a Leeds punk band comprised of musicians with learning disabilities, Down's syndrome and autism as they chase their dream of performing for a festival crowd.

Ultimate Thunder are six musicians whose raw, fully improvised gigs have built them a growing reputation. Critics start calling them the most punk rock band in Britain.

But over the three years of filming, as the band fight to reach a bigger stage, they face several new challenges, including funding cuts, life-saving heart surgery and the inexplicable loss of their frontman’s voice.

_Ultimate Thunder_ captures the friendship and resilience forged in rehearsal rooms and amid backstage chaos. A stirring, raw, joyful ode to music, togetherness and the punk spirit.

Followed by Q&A with director Ben G. Brown, producer Lia Hayes and special guests.