Festival 1967
"Newport is an oasis of beautiful music - and beautiful people ... who take the high road to"
Dive into the raw energy of the Newport Folk Festival with *Festival (1967)*, Murray Lerner's electrifying black-and-white documentary.
Director: Murray Lerner
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Festival (1967) about?
*Festival (1967)* is a documentary that transports viewers to the Newport Folk Festival from 1963 to 1966, blending electrifying live performances with intimate interviews. It documents the evolving sounds of folk, blues, and bluegrass, from Bob Dylan's groundbreaking electric set to the deep traditions of Howlin' Wolf and Son House.
Who directed Festival?
Murray Lerner directed *Festival (1967)*, capturing the festival's spirit with a keen eye for both performance and atmosphere.
Who stars in Festival?
Key performers include Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Pete Seeger, Howlin' Wolf, Son House, Mississippi John Hurt, Judy Collins, Donovan, and The Osborne Brothers.
Is Festival (1967) worth watching?
Absolutely—if you love folk music or 1960s counterculture, *Festival (1967)* is a must-see. The film's raw energy, historical significance, and stellar lineup make it a timeless snapshot of an era when music changed the world. It's both a nostalgia trip and a celebration of creativity.
How long is Festival?
Festival runs for 97 minutes, a perfect runtime for a deep dive into four years of musical magic.
About Festival (1967) — The Newport Folk Festival's electrifying documentary legacy
Dive into the raw energy of the Newport Folk Festival with *Festival (1967)*, Murray Lerner's electrifying black-and-white documentary. This vivid time-capsule captures four unforgettable years—from 1963 to 1966—showcasing legendary acoustic performances and electric moments alongside candid backstage conversations. The film spotlights icons like Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Pete Seeger, while also introducing blues titans Howlin' Wolf and Son House, bluegrass pioneers The Osborne Brothers, and folk rising stars like Judy Collins and Donovan. More than just a concert film, *Festival (1967)* immerses you in the spirit of an era where music wasn't just art—it was a movement, a gathering of voices that shaped a generation.
Murray Lerner crafts a visually striking and emotionally charged portrait of a festival that became a cultural heartbeat. The film pulses with the authenticity of spontaneous performances, from Dylan's controversial electric turn to the soulful storytelling of Mississippi John Hurt and the thunderous presence of Howlin' Wolf. It's a celebration of folk's diversity—bluegrass, blues, protest songs, and poetic ballads—all unfolding in an oasis of creativity and community. Whether you're a folk purist or a history buff, *Festival (1967)* offers a front-row seat to the magic of Newport.