The upcoming documentary, “Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery — The Untold Story,” delves into the transformative impact of the iconic Lilith Fair festival. Set to premiere on Hulu and Disney+ on September 21, the film highlights groundbreaking conversations among trailblazing female artists, including Sarah McLachlan and Olivia Rodrigo. Through intimate interviews and rare footage, the documentary sheds light on the festival’s enduring legacy in the music industry.
Celebrating a Musical Revolution
“Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery — The Untold Story” promises to offer an in-depth look at the revolutionary all-female music festival. The trailer teases insights from artists like Sarah McLachlan, Sheryl Crow, Paula Cole, Bonnie Raitt, and Erykah Badu. It also features younger artists such as Olivia Rodrigo, who reflects on the festival’s impact with awe, saying, “I was in disbelief I had never heard of it before.” The documentary aims to capture the supportive and empowering atmosphere that defined Lilith Fair.
Breaking Barriers and Defying Norms
Sarah McLachlan, co-founder of Lilith Fair, recalls the skepticism they faced: “Promoters said ‘You can’t put two women on the same bill. People won’t come,’” she remembers challenging, “That’s complete bullshit.” The festival broke barriers by showcasing women in music during an era dominated by male artists, proving the naysayers wrong and creating a powerful community of female musicians and fans.
The Documentary’s Creative Team
Directed by Ally Pankiw and produced by Dan Levy’s Not a Real Production Company, the film draws inspiration from the 2019 Vanity Fair article “Building a Mystery: An Oral History of Lilith Fair” by Jessica Hopper, Sasha Geffen, and Jenn Pelly. Backed by original Lilith Fair founders including McLachlan, Terry McBride, Dan Fraser, and Marty Diamond, the documentary is a product of dedicated storytelling and passionate collaboration.
The documentary will premiere on September 21 on Hulu and Disney+ in the U.S., and on CBC and CBC Gem in Canada, ensuring audiences worldwide can experience the untold story of one of music’s most revolutionary festivals.
