Unconquered: St Elmo's Fire star sets blazing trail with film festivals winner

Unconquered is the true-life story of former elite soldiers Dave ‘Dogs’ Dewar and Mark ‘Dot’ Perkins, who were severely injured, both mentally and physically, in the line of duty.

They play themselves in the short film which highlights how the bond of brotherhood and a shared passion for sport helped them to overcome adversity and triumph again to forge new lives.

John was inspired to make the film when he heard about their epic fight back, which saw them go on to compete in the Invictus Games.

And the rock legend is now hitting the right notes with film festivals after picking up 30 awards in recent weeks at the likes of The Paris Goldspire International Film Festival, Best Director ( short film) at World Film Awards in London and Best Documentary Director at the International Film Awards in Singapore.

He may have sold over 10 millions albums and worked with Tina Turner, Meatloaf, Bryan Adams and other music greats, but John is no stranger to the film industry.

The talented hit maker has written and performed 10 major motion-picture songs, including Three Men and a Baby, The Running Man and his signature hit, Grammy nominated global chart-topper St. Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion), the title theme of the 1985 'Brat Pack' film.

That song was written in honour of Rick Hansen, who circumnavigated the world in his wheelchair, and it became the soundtrack for his Rick Hansen Foundation, which has raised a jaw-dropping $360,000,00 towards actively improving the lives of people with disabilities, changing perceptions and breaking down barriers.St

Elmo's Fire has been used in many other films, TV shows and campaigns, including the brand new Virgin Media TV ad featuring a hangliding goat, with the strap line 'why stumble when you can soar?'

John says it is on point with Unconquered, which also features the song, and aligns to a Chair For Ben campaign he is also supporting to buy a special motorised wheelchair for 17-year-old Ben Mathie, of Nottinghamshire.

His film will be shown as part of a fundraising evening at the teenager's Dukeries Academy school in Ollerton, Nottinghamshire, on Friday, July 21, 6.45pm. Tickets are £10 from Harrow Inn, Boughton, Newark or visit PayPal and enter the phone number 07807530857.

John , aged 70, of Sykehouse, Doncaster, said: "I have been off the radar this past year. The reason being Unconquered. It is a drama documentary that has consumed my every waking hour.

"Just in the way St Elmo’s Fire (Man in Motion) told the story of Rick Hansen’s epic circumnavigation of the world in a wheelchair, Unconquered carries the torch onward to bring light to what the human spirit can achieve from the depths of despair to rise again.

"It is heartening to know that a heartfelt and motivational film like Unconquered, starring the actual two men who have triumphed over such adversity, is striking a chord globally.

“Unconquered was a labour of love, made with the blood sweat and tears of me and my pals.

"It is a testament to our crew who all but two have a disability that has not stopped them achieving their goals and dreams.

"They are an inspiration to me.

"My crew and I are overwhelmed by the response to our film which is doing well at film festivals around the globe. It has already won 14 best short film and documentary awards and many technical awards, including best cinematography, best editing, best score and best director."

"It was made without bias and with one aim, to bring light and hope to those whose life is a daily battle.

Of his Chair For Ben support he added: "We cannot show the film online or premiere it other than at festivals, but as part of a special one off night we are showing Unconquered at the Ben in Motion concert, at his school, The Dukeries Academy Theatre, in Ollerton, on Friday July 21 at 6.45pm.

"The aim is to get him a motorised chair.

"Ben is a grand lad whose horizons will be opened by this incredible device that will give him independence and his freedom on the road, on the beach - anywhere he wants, on this very rock 'n' roll looking machine."