| Festival | |
|---|---|
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| Directed by | Murray Lerner |
| Written by | Murray Lerner |
| Produced by | Murray Lerner[1] |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Murray Lerner Stanley Meredith Francis Grumman George Pickow |
| Edited by | Howard Alk |
Production company | Patchke Productions |
| Distributed by | Peppercorn-Wormser |
Release date |
|
Running time | 97 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Festival (stylized asFestival!) is a 1967 American documentary film about theNewport Folk Festivals of the mid-1960s, and the burgeoningcounterculture movement of the era, written, produced, and directed byMurray Lerner.[2]
The movie was filmed over the course of fourfestivals atNewport (1963–1966), and includes footage ofBob Dylan’s controversial1965 electric set.
The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "The presentation of the music itself is desultory to say the least, consisting of several fragments by unidentified singers. ... The film does record at least one immensely important moment, when 'folk singer' Dylan appears on stage with a group for the very first time to put together a rock version of "Maggie's Farm". But sadly, this recognised turning point in American pop is treated with complete indifference by the film's makers, who don't even bother to show us the whole of Dylan's act or the significantly shocked audience response which greeted it."[3]
Roger Ebert gave the film3+1⁄2 out of four stars. His highest praise was for the editors, explaining, "They make their points quietly, with humor and understatement. The result is marvelously entertaining." He also gave credit to Lerner for making "full use of the strength of documentary film, the ability to catch unrehearsed moments that reveal personality."[4]
Festival was nominated for anAcademy Award forBest Documentary Feature in 1968.[5]
The film features appearances by the following artists:[6][7][8]
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