Tugging at the heartstrings and striking a balance of raw emotion with gripping storytelling is Matter of Time, the new Eddie Vedder-featured documentary by director Matt Finlin.
The film spotlights families and supporters who are affected by the rare and devastating genetic disease, EB: Epidermolysis Bullosa. Intertwining the transformative progress fueled by the dedication of the community struck by EB, intimate stories are shared, and it showcases the collective strength of those suffering, refusing to accept the status quo. This, along with proof that music can be a powerful catalyst for real change are central themes.
Captivating the audience throughout, Vedder — best known for his work as frontman of the alternative rock band Pearl Jam — organized a benefit concert in Seattle in 2023 shedding light on the debilitating disease, which is featured in the film.
Matter of Time transcends the boundaries of a concert documentary, providing the audience with an understanding of the emotional and physical burden that EB places on families while shedding light on the hope that keeps them going. It emphasizes the unifying belief that art, science, and love fuel the search for a cure, with venture philanthropy serving as the radical force behind the progress.
Scored by Broken Social Scene, this marks the second collaboration between Kevin Drew and Finlin. Along with the score, it is interspersed with candid interviews, giving a multidimensional view of what becomes possible when people come together with urgency and heart for something bigger than themselves.
The viewers develop a sense of awareness towards these individuals and their families, their difficulties and strengths, creating a space for the audience to see firsthand how this disease causes emotional struggles, while also seeing the courage and powerful connections that these individuals have formed, enabling them not to feel so alone in their search for a cure.
Vedder and his wife Jill, co-founders of EBRP & Chairwomen of the organization, took immediate action as they witnessed a close childhood friend of Jill — fellow co-Founder Ryan Fullmer — cope with the hardships of dealing with a son stricken with EB. With their platforms, they created something impactful that brings action and attention to the matter.
Finlin is a Toronto-based director and producer known for crafting emotionally resonant stories that are woven together with art, social impact, and cultural memory. He has a background in documentary and commercial filming, and has spent the last decade honing his craft, which reflects his deep interest in human connection, creative expression, and the power of storytelling to inspire a desire to create an atmosphere that welcomes global change. “This is not a story about what might be possible. It’s about what is possible when people come together with urgency, love, and belief that it’s only a matter of time,” Finlin states.
An entire team of doctors, families, and many other supporters are part of the movement to raise awareness of this disease and its importance in finding a cure with urgency. The movement emphasizes the importance of making these individuals seen, heard, and loved. Matter of Time brings light to this purpose with compassion and clarity, allowing viewers to be fully immersed in the film, again with the connective thread of music woven within.
Three sold-out screenings followed the film’s debut, and it has been praised by critics and audiences for being a moving and powerful call to action, leaving them inspired to make a change.
