Like the film and web project of the same name, the album Dummy Jim has been inspired by James Duthie’s book I Cycled Into The Arctic Circle.

'deep-seated eccentricity'

The album bears the fruit of a collaboration between The One Ensemble & Sarah Kenchington, with gentle guidance from Matt Hulse.

The music will form the basis for the soundtrack of Matt’s feature & the performers are set to appear in the film.

The project was supported by the Scottish Arts Council and Arika.

The first review comes from Brainwashed:

I haven’t seen Dummy Jim yet, but if this soundtrack is any indication, it must be a truly unconventional and memorable film. With the aid of bizarre instrument builder Sarah Kenchington, Daniel Padden and his cohorts have created a kaleidoscopic collision of traditional Anglo-folk, free jazz, drone, and deep-seated eccentricity that sounds like absolutely no one else. Anthony D’Amico

Read full review …

To purchase the album & join the growing list of Kindly Folk who are helping to make the film, please visit Dummy Jim’s shop.

The journal tells a story of a profoundly deaf James Duthie, known as ‘Dummy Jim’, who travelled 3000 miles on his bike in 1951, from his village in Scotland via France to the Arctic Circle.

The movie maker is raising funds to complete the project through the sale of special Dummy Jim merchandise and a percentage of these sales will go towards NDCS drama workshops for deaf children and young people.

The film director is appealing to people who believe in unique, innovative and independent films to support the project.

Dummy Jim has already attracted support from Jerwood Charitable Foundation. Well-known BBC ‘Switch’ actor Samuel Dore had been cast in the lead role.

Matt Hulse explains: “James ‘Dummy Jim’ Duthie had a real affinity with children, both deaf and hearing. He was concerned with their welfare, both in the UK and overseas, and shared with children a genuine, open-hearted curiosity about the world around him. It’s particularly appropriate therefore that the partnership is with a charity who shares the same interest in the welfare of children. “

“This partnership is of immense value to us. The public support of a well-established and respected charity sends out a clear message of validation and good will towards Dummy Jim. We look forward to developing the relationship with NDCS and helping raise money to support both the charity’s work and the making of our film.”

Ruth Couthino, NDCS Development Manager, adds: “We are pleased to have become a charity partner for the ‘Dummy Jim’ movie and are grateful to the team for supporting our arts projects for deaf children and young people.”

“Access to the arts is extremely important for deaf children. The opportunity to express themselves through a variety of creative forms can help deaf children develop their self-confidence, emotional intelligence, and conceptual understanding.”

An interactive website has been created in advance of a feature film to give visitors a chance to explore some of the highlights of Duthie’s journey.