Newcastle upon Tyne-based distributor Jonny Tull will release four titles in the UK/Ireland over 2021 under new banner Tull Stories.  

Tull will first release the Irish documentary GROUNDSWELL from filmmaker Johnny Gogan (Prisoners Of The Moon). The film is released in the UK on Friday 16th April via the Modern Films virtual cinema platform, ahead of Earth Day on Thursday 22nd April. It tells of the trials of a small community group in Leitrim as they fight the fracking company who has just commenced work in their county. Set against the backdrop of the years leading up to Ireland’s historic decision to ban the practice in 2018, the film features appearances from International activists including the actor Mark Ruffalo and author Sandra Steingraber. 

In the summer (date to be set) Tull Stories will release the London Film Festival-selected documentary SOUND FOR THE FUTURE. From artist filmmaker Matt Hulse (Dummy Jim) and Pinball Films, the film is an affectionate and daring reconstruction and deconstruction of the evolution of The Hippies, the young punk band which was formed by Hulse and his siblings in 1979. The soundtrack features music from XTC, Gang of Four, Sleaford Mods, The Stranglers, Ought, Generation Riot, Doug Champion, Cheap Fags and The Hippies.

Sound For The Future

In autumn 2021 Tull will release new feature THE FOOTBALL MONOLOGUES from filmmaker and former actor Greg Cruttwell (Naked, Two Days In The Valley, George Of The Jungle, Chunky Monkey). Completed in September 2020, The Football Monologues adopts a talking heads-style structure involving seven people from different backgrounds under the umbrella of the beautiful game. The Football Monologues stars Emma Amos (Bridget Jones’s Diary, Goodnight Sweetheart) and Samuel Anderson (The History Boys, The Lady In The Van).

The Football Monologues

Tull Stories is also further developing its adventure documentary slate, with the first release being the multi-award-winning PIANO TO ZANSKAR. Michal Sulima’s film is being readied for theatrical release in the summer.

Jonny Tull said:

“I’m delighted to be able to launch Tull Stories with such a high quality and varied slate. My ambition is to work with talented independent filmmakers who tell unique and inspiring stories and each film we have on the way absolutely represents that. I’m looking forward to introducing them – and Tull Stories – to audiences over 2021.”

A John Brabourne awardee in 2020, Tull has worked in distribution and exhibition in the UK independent sector for over 25 years. Tull Stories will work on projects in both exhibition and distribution, providing programming and audience development services for exhibitors as well as distributing specialised film and adventure documentaries.

ENDS