The Dark Horse
Inspiring documentary from the Oscar winning team
When disabled teen Ashleigh Harley is diagnosed with a life threatening illness, she fights against the perceptions of disability to compete in the World Paralympic Games.
Set to headline the London 02 and movie release soon - enjoy the pre-screen trailer, music and behind the scenes content below!
Trailer
London 02 Concert
Above: Ashleigh Harley performing at the prestigous London 02 showcase for 'Differently Abled' and 'I Believe In Love'
On the 28th May 2028, the The O2 Arena won’t just host a charity concert—
—it will ignite a movement.
Join us for the spectacular world-first collision of music, purpose, and raw human power. For one unforgettable night, the sound of The Dark Horse—from an Oscar-winning team—will rise off the stage like never before.
Ashleigh's Story
After doctors gave Ashleigh six months left to live after a near fatal consequence of genetic tissue disorder Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, Ashleigh survived all the odds and overcame her diagnosis. Now fit and fighting, she started the Dark Horse Foundation to give other young people growing up in hospitals the chance to not only belong somewhere other than a hospital bed, but thrive because of the challenge.
Going on to win over 40+ awards internationally, recieving a nomination for a BAFTA Cyrmu, and team up with the Oscar winning contributors at Slick Films to create The Dark Horse - Ashleigh now works to help others from disavantaged backgrounds. Watch a sneak peak of a scene cut from the film, behind the scenes and contributors below:
Scene Preview
Get an exclusive sneak peak of a cut scene from the film with the incredible soundtrack!
Behind The Scenes
Join the fun on set and backstage of The Dark Horse movie and show!
Contributors
Ashleigh Harley
Director & Main Artist
Ashleigh was told her life would be over in six months.
Not might be. Would be.
Most people would let a sentence like that define their ending. Ashleigh used it as ignition. What followed wasn’t just survival—it was a complete defiance of fate.
Ashleigh Harley isn’t just an artist to watch—she’s living proof that even the most final sentence can be rewritten into something extraordinary.
Team at Slick Films
Contributors
Slick Films is the kind of production company that doesn’t just tell stories—they change lives.
Founded by Chris Overton and Rachel Shenton, the company was built on a shared vision: to create work that carries real emotional weight, challenges perspectives, and leaves a lasting impact long after the screen fades to black.
Their breakthrough moment came with The Silent Child, a deeply moving film that went on to win an Academy Award—cementing their place as storytellers capable of turning intimate, human experiences into globally recognised work.
Mark Caldwell
DOP: Head of Camera Department
Mark Caldwell is a London-based Director of Photography whose work blends bold cinematic vision with technical mastery across film, commercials, and music. Trained under Christopher Nolan’s early film network, he has built a reputation for striking, story-driven visuals on award-winning projects.
Living with chronic illness, Caldwell brings a rare resilience and depth to his craft—shaping powerful imagery that reflects both precision and perspective.
Mum & Dad
Head of being awesome
Suzanne and Richard are the unwavering force behind this project, whose love, strength, and belief made it possible against all odds. During the darkest moments—when their daughter Ashleigh was fighting for her life in hospital—they stood beside her with relentless support, refusing to give up hope.
Their courage and devotion became the foundation for everything that followed. This film is not only a creative achievement, but a testament to their resilience, their faith, and the extraordinary power of family.
Graeme Willets
Head of Sound Recording
Graeme Willetts is an accomplished UK-based sound recordist with over a decade of experience across film, television, and commercial productions. Known for his precision and ability to capture immersive, story-driven audio, he has worked on a wide range of projects within the industry.
He was part of the sound team on the Oscar-winning short film The Silent Child, produced by Slick Films, contributing to one of the most impactful British films of its time
VMI TV
Donated Equipment
VMI is an award-winning UK camera rental company, supplying high-end equipment for film, television, and commercial productions. Founded in 1979, they are trusted across the industry for cutting-edge technology and expert support.
As a carbon-neutral company committed to innovation, their generous equipment donation has been instrumental in bringing this charity project to life.
Warriors Unite - The Program
what students say:
As part of the project Ashleigh is running Warriors Unite, a program for disabled, terminal and chronically ill young people to gain skills on set of the award winning teams film and music videos in connection with The Dark Horse to help find and connect future generations of 'dark horses'. Bringing isolated youth from challenging backgrounds the opportunity not only to experience being part of the production, but also equipping them with skills and opportunities to create their own flourishing careers nomatter the circumstances they face.
Our project running over the next 3 years will host eleven productions in films and music videos across the U.K culminating in the incredible once in a lifetime opportunity to be part of the London 02 Concert in 2028. Fellow warriors will also invited not only on set and into the studio but also to perform alongside Ashleigh during the concert.
