Words Tabatha Golat
Few music documentaries can capture an era vividly, but Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery does exactly that. This month’s film recommendation, streaming on CBC Gem, brings the festival’s energy and spirit to life. Directed by Ally Pankiw and produced by Dan Levy under his Not a Real Production banner, this 2025 documentary revisits the groundbreaking Lilith Fair music festival, which celebrated female artists and championed equality in the music industry. Featuring performances and reflections from Sarah McLachlan, Jewel, Erykah Badu, Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crow, Natalie Merchant and more, the film balances nostalgia with insight into the cultural impact of the festival.
Despite never attending a show myself, watching the documentary I felt transported back to the 1990s. The soundtrack, live performances and behind-the-scenes glimpses made it feel as though I was experiencing Lilith Fair firsthand. One particularly magical moment captured in the documentary comes from archival footage at the end of each show, when the artists would come together on stage to sing the final song. You can feel the joy and the power of music uniting so many voices at once.
At its core, Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery highlights the vision and leadership of Sarah McLachlan, who was young and relatively green when she launched the festival. Her dedication and creativity brought together some of the most talented female musicians of the time, creating a safe and inspiring space for artists and audiences. The festival also served as a cultural milestone, demonstrating that female performers could headline and succeed on a large scale. It offered a platform for women in a male-dominated industry and aligned with the broader “girl power” movement of the era, emphasizing collaboration, empowerment, and artistic equality.
The documentary is joyful to watch, seamlessly blending concert footage with current interviews. The artists reflect on the magic of the festival, the friendships it fostered, and the ripple effects it created across the music industry. While the music is central, the film also captures the spirit of perseverance and unity that defined the Lilith Fair experience. It is a celebration of artistry and vision, a uniquely Canadian-produced story, and a reminder of how music can inspire and create cultural change.
Whether you’re nostalgic for the 90s or discovering the festival for the first time, this documentary is a heartfelt and inspiring look at a pivotal moment in music history.
For similar music-focused and culturally impactful documentaries, check out:
Summer of Soul, Disney+
20 Feet from Stardom, Prime
Women Who Rock, Prime
Whitney: Can I Be Me, Prime
John Candy: I Like Me, Prime
