Documentary Explores Lilith Fair’s Impact on Music and Culture

TORONTO, Canada — A new documentary titled “Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery” is now streaming on Hulu and Disney+. The film offers a nostalgic look at the late 1990s all-female music festival, which was founded by Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan. Directed by Ally Pankiw, the documentary features new interviews alongside archival footage from the tours in 1997, 1998, and 1999.

Pankiw’s film highlights memorable moments, such as Sinead O'Connor’s performance of “Angel” alongside McLachlan and Missy Elliot making a bold statement during her first concert tour. The film illustrates how McLachlan and various artists took a stand against the male-dominated music scene, providing female musicians a platform that was often denied by concert promoters.

The first Lilith Fair took place on July 5, 1997, at The Gorge amphitheater in George, Washington. Among the artists who performed were Tracy Chapman, Indigo Girls, Sheryl Crow, and Fiona Apple. Notably, singer Brandi Carlile attended the first event as a teenager and reflected on the transformative experience in the documentary. “Nothing could have prepared me for that experience, that sort of coming of age, that total freedom,” Carlile recalled.

The film also addresses the role of Paula Cole, who helped shape the festival by participating in its first two years. When McLachlan saw Cole perform in Vancouver in 1994, she invited Cole to open for her on tour, which contributed to the creation of Lilith Fair. Cole described her time with McLachlan as a “match made in heaven.” She noted the significance of seeing one woman support another, which felt revolutionary at the time.

The documentary captures not only the joy of the festival but the challenges faced, including casual sexism. It recounts an incident at the 1998 Grammy Awards, where female nominees received less performance time compared to their male counterparts. McLachlan remarked on the snub, stating it was not worth fighting over, but it highlighted systemic issues in the industry.

“Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery” serves as both a celebration of musical triumphs and a reflection on the societal challenges women artists endured during that era. With a mix of performance snippets and personal anecdotes, it creates a vivid time capsule of a movement that resonated with audiences across the globe.