Olivia Rodrigo is taking a trip down memory lane in the latest trailer for the documentary ‘Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery – The Untold Story.’ The film, which delves into the history of the iconic ’90s all-female music festival, is set to debut on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ on Sept. 21. Directed by Ally Pankiw, the documentary sheds light on the groundbreaking music event that showcased exclusively women artists. The festival was spearheaded by Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan, and Olivia Rodrigo is among the many artists featured in the project.
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The documentary aims to showcase the untold story of Lilith Fair, a festival that defied industry norms and provided a platform for women artists in a male-dominated music scene. In the trailer, McLachlan reflects on the challenges she faced while organizing the festival, including pushback from promoters who doubted the success of an all-female lineup. Despite the obstacles, McLachlan persevered, determined to prove her critics wrong and create a space for women in music to thrive.
Jewel, another artist who participated in Lilith Fair, describes the festival as a “freight train” that took on a life of its own. The trailer also touches on the resistance and criticism McLachlan faced, including receiving a bomb threat, highlighting the determination and resilience of the festival organizers. The documentary provides a behind-the-scenes look at how Lilith Fair was conceived as a response to the industry barriers that limited women from sharing concert stages and receiving airplay on radio stations.
The film is a tribute to the legacy of Lilith Fair and the impact it had on the music industry, featuring interviews with original festival artists such as Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crow, and Jewel. Contemporary artists like Brandi Carlile and Olivia Rodrigo also share their experiences and reflections on the influence of the festival on their own careers. Rodrigo, in particular, expresses her admiration for the women singer-songwriters of the ’90s who paved the way for artists like her.
Sarah McLachlan, one of the original founders of Lilith Fair, expressed her pride and nostalgia for the documentary, emphasising the community of women who came together to support and uplift each other through their music. The documentary draws on over 600 hours of archival footage, as well as new interviews with fans, festival organizers, and artists, offering a comprehensive look at the cultural impact of Lilith Fair.
Inspired by the oral history of Lilith Fair published in Vanity Fair and Epic Magazine in 2019, the documentary aims to celebrate the magic and strength of a movement that continues to resonate with audiences today. As fans eagerly anticipate the release of ‘Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery – The Untold Story,’ the documentary promises to shed light on a pivotal moment in music history and the women who defied the odds to make their voices heard.