Watch Festival: A Documentary

"Festival" is an enthralling documentary that provides an incisive look into the world of music festivals. Directed by Murray Cummings, the movie delves into the fascinating history and evolution of music festivals, providing insights into their cultural, economic, and social significance. The documentary features interviews with various stakeholders in the music festival industry, including festival organizers, musicians, and fans. The narrative is told mainly through the perspectives of Joe Bogdan, a musician and festival promoter, and Jill Brown, an event manager with extensive experience in the festival circuit.

The film opens with a brief history of the music festival, starting with the legendary Woodstock Festival of 1969. The filmmakers trace the evolution of music festivals from their countercultural origins to their present-day mainstream popularity. They highlight the various social and political movements that music festivals have been associated with, including anti-war protests, environmental activism, and LGBT rights.

The movie then moves on to explore the logistics behind organizing a successful music festival. We see the arduous process of selecting and booking artists, negotiating with sponsors, managing security and logistics, and maintaining the overall vibe and atmosphere of the festival.

Throughout the movie, the filmmakers do a fantastic job of juxtaposing the grandeur of the music festival experience with its gritty realities. We see the frenetic energy and excitement of fans dancing to their favorite music, but we also see the unglamorous side of festivals, such as overflowing porta-potties and long queues for food and water.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is its exploration of the economic significance of music festivals. We see how festivals have become big business, generating huge revenues not just for organizers but also for the regions where they are held. Music festivals have become a key driver of tourism and employment in many areas, providing a much-needed boost to local economies.

The movie also touches on some of the challenges that music festivals face, particularly in the wake of tragic incidents such as the 2017 Las Vegas shooting. The filmmakers show how festivals have had to rethink their security protocols and implement new measures to ensure the safety of their attendees.

Throughout the movie, we hear from various musicians who have performed at music festivals, including Katy Perry, Noel Gallagher, and Diplo. They share their own experiences of playing at festivals, highlighting the unique energy and atmosphere that can only be found in such settings.

Overall, "Festival" is a fascinating and engaging documentary that provides a comprehensive overview of the music festival phenomenon. The filmmakers do an excellent job of balancing the excitement and energy of the festival experience with the practicalities of organizing such events. Whether you're a die-hard festival-goer or just curious about the cultural significance of music festivals, this film is a must-watch.

Festival: A Documentary is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.