From Friar Park to the Big Screen: New film inspired by Wednesbury man’s story set to premiere in Japan
A moving new Japanese film inspired by the story of Teddy Mac – the "Songaminute Man" from Friar Park, Wednesbury – is being released this week (23 May), shining an international spotlight on a remarkable journey that began in Friar Park, Wednesbury.
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Titled 父と僕の終わらない歌 (“My Father and I and our Never Ending Song”), the story is now set in Yokosuka, Japan and tells the emotional story of a former singer living with dementia, whose love of music never fades. The story has already touched millions online through viral videos, and now it will move cinema audiences on the other side of the world.
Ted McDermott – aka Teddy Mac, born in Wednesbury and later based in Blackburn - captured hearts singing classic swing songs with his son Simon during car rides. As his memory faded, music became the bridge between past and present – and gave hope to thousands of families facing similar challenges.
To coincide with the film’s release, the memoir The Songs That Saved Us - originally published as The Songaminute Man - is being re-released in paperback on June 5th. The book tells the story of Ted’s life growing up in Wednesbury where he sang with local group The Starliners and how he finally released his first single at the age of 80. The updated edition includes a new chapter reflecting on what’s happened since those first car videos went viral, and the emotional journey of caring for a loved one with dementia.
Simon McDermott, Teddy’s son and author of the book, says: “It’s surreal but beautiful to see Dad’s story told on screen. The fact it’s now set in Japan gives everything an even bigger twist. Dad’s condition has changed significantly, but he would be incredibly excited to know his story is being told on film. This book and film are tributes to him - and to all families going through something similar.”
The memoir has been praised for its raw honesty and uplifting message of finding joy, even in the darkest times.
The film premieres in Japan this Friday 23 May. Meanwhile, The Songs That Saved Us is available to pre-order now via Amazon, Waterstones, and all good bookshops.
