LONDON, UK – Rock legend Eddie Vedder, the enduring frontman of Pearl Jam, is shifting the spotlight from the stadium stage to the vital, often unseen world of rare disease advocacy. Netflix has secured global distribution for his powerful documentary, 'Matter of Time,' which chronicles the dedicated efforts to find a cure for Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a devastating and painful genetic skin condition.
The film is set to premiere on the streaming giant on February 9th, bringing a deeply personal mission into millions of living rooms across the UK and beyond. For fans accustomed to Pearl Jam’s anthemic rock, this documentary offers a raw look at Vedder’s commitment off-stage, highlighting a cause that has become central to his life.
The Genesis of 'Matter of Time'
'Matter of Time' centres around a significant fundraising effort spearheaded by Vedder and his wife, Jill Vedder. In 2010, the couple co-founded the EB Research Partnership (EBRP), a non-profit organisation relentlessly focused on funding research to treat and ultimately cure EB. The disease, often referred to as 'butterfly skin' due to the fragility of the skin, tragically afflicted the child of Jill Vedder’s childhood friend, igniting the family’s long-term dedication.
The documentary captures the atmosphere surrounding a major fundraising concert hosted by Vedder in Seattle. It weaves together footage from these high-energy performances with intimate, moving narratives from those directly affected: the researchers pushing scientific boundaries, the doctors providing care, the parents navigating daily challenges, and the young individuals living with EB.
A Performance for Purpose
A key component of the film documents Vedder’s two sold-out solo shows at Seattle’s Benaroya Hall in October 2023. Every penny generated from these performances was funnelled directly into EB research initiatives. This commitment underscores the film's central theme: harnessing the power of art and celebrity to drive tangible, life-changing scientific breakthroughs.
Director Matt Finlin, known for his acclaimed work on 'The Movie Man,' helmed the project. Finlin, alongside producer Karen Barzilay under their Door Knocker Media banner, worked in association with both the EB Research Partnership and the Vitalogy Foundation.
Critical Acclaim Ahead of Netflix Debut
The documentary has already garnered significant buzz on the festival circuit. Following its premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival last year, 'Matter of Time' secured accolades, including Best Feature Music Documentary at the Nashville Film Festival and the coveted Best Picture award at the San Diego International Film Festival. This early recognition signals a compelling narrative that transcends typical music documentary fare.
Eddie Vedder himself shared his hope for the film’s impact: “This film captures all angles of the EB Community experience,” he stated. “From families and researchers, to volunteers and donors all coming together for an event that includes a big dose of music for good measure. Please join in and meet these incredible people. Their stories will remain with you.”
More Than a Concert Film
Director Matt Finlin emphasized that the narrative scope is far broader than just documenting a gig. “This isn’t a concert film in the traditional sense. It’s a portrait of a community that isn’t crying out to be saved; they’re saving themselves,” Finlin commented. He noted the profound inspiration derived from witnessing such determination in the face of seemingly insurmountable medical odds, suggesting the EB community’s approach could revolutionise rare disease research globally.
Jill Vedder, serving as co-founder and chairwoman of EBRP, echoed this sentiment, calling the film a testament to collective focus: “Matter of Time is a film that shows the power of a community all focused on the same dream.”
Michael Hund, CEO of EB Research Partnership, positioned the documentary as a blueprint for future medical advancements. “This film is more than a movie, it is a movement, showing the world how accelerating treatments and cures is possible when courageous patients and families, the brilliant medical and scientific community, inspired artists, and innovative business models come together,” Hund remarked. The EBRP model is now being looked at as a scalable framework for tackling other rare diseases worldwide.
For Pearl Jam fans in Great Britain and globally, 'Matter of Time' offers a profound look behind the curtain of one of rock’s most enduring figures, revealing a humanitarian drive as powerful as any riff the band has ever produced. Its arrival on Netflix ensures this critical story reaches an audience ready to be moved and mobilised.