Matt Finlin’s documentary of Eddie Vedder’s 2023 solo concert in Seattle to raise money to cure the skin disease epidermolysis-bullosa (often referred to as EB) But Matter of Time is much more than a benefit-concert film. It explores the lives of young EB patients, their parents, and the scientists dedicated to finding a cure. It also shows that persistence – and shows that patients, their families, researchers and fundraisers can successfully work together to find treatments and possibly a cure.
Buy Matter of Time / Say Hi vinyl singleThe film brings attention to a rare inherited disease that usually affects children, and is most often diagnosed in infancy. EB is caused by genetic defects that prevent skin layers from binding together. A scratch or any kind of friction my cause blisters or pain. There are several subtypes, from mild cases that get better when children get older to more severe subtypes that require constant care. The symbol for EB is a butterfly, as the skin of EB patient is as a delicate as butterfly wings.
Eddie and his wife Jill have raised awareness and research funds for EB patients for close to two decades. They co-founded the EB Research Partnership – along with a few EB parents -in 2010. This venture philanthropy model has resulted in at least one breakthrough treatment for the disease. A new gene therapy for RDEB, a specific subtype of the disease, helps strengthen the skin and gives younger patients a better quality of life. This shows what’s possible when fundraisers, patients and researchers work together and tirelessly to achieve a common goal.
The documentary focuses on the patients, researchers, and Eddie and Jill as they prepare to gather together at the benefit concert. We meet several EB kids at their home. There’s Rowan, an outgoing young girl who likes to dance; Eli, who likes playing guitar; and Deanna, an artist, who does her own makeup despite her limitations. We see the kids and their dedicated families visiting museums, traveling, and going to doctors’ appointments. EB kids engage in everyday activities just like other kids, but under the extra-watchful eye of parents.
Aside from a brief appearance of a string quartet, Eddie plays solo acoustic guitar and occasional piano. The other stars are the EB kids and researchers in the audience, and Vedder gives them heartfelt introductions. He kicks off the concert with “Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town” and rocks out on several numbers, even though it’s just him and an acoustic guitar. (The concert isn’t the only music in the film. Canadian indie band Broken Social Scene provided the film’s score.)
Director Matt Finlin keeps the doc moving along nicely, with scenes from the kids’ lives interwoven with visits to doctors and researchers, and concert scenes. We get to know the kids’ personalities and interests, and empathize with them and their parents. There’s a lot of hope for EB patients now, as researchers work to expedite a cure. “You have to have patience… it’s a matter of time”, says Vedder, of the search for a cure.
“Matter of Time” is an official selection of the Tribeca Film Festival There are screenings in selected U.S. cities scheduled for November and December, including one at the TCL Chinese in Hollywood on December 10th. The 2025 Nashville Film Festival named it best feature music documentary, and it won the Artistic Director’s Award at the San Diego International Film Festival.
