After free streaming debut, Lilith Fair doc heads to cinemas for limited release

TORONTO – Sarah McLachlan’s Lilith Fair documentary is getting a second wind on the big screen.

Film distributor Elevation Pictures says it plans to show “Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery” at eight independent movie theatres across the country in November.

It’s an unusual twist in the traditional distribution model. The documentary has already been available to stream for free on CBC Gem and YouTube for the past month.

Elevation’s co-president, Noah Segal, says the idea to show “Lilith Fair” in theatres came after a thunderous reception at its Toronto International Film Festival premiere in September.

He says several independent cinemas approached the distributor, making a case for why the music documentary was ideal for a communal viewing experience.

“Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery” traces the history of the all-female music festival, which McLachlan helped create. It features performances alongside interviews with many artists who were involved in the legendary tour, including Sheryl Crow, Jewel and Erykah Badu.

Movie exhibitors have been clamouring for more film titles in recent years, in part, because the widespread consolidation of Hollywood studios has lowered the output of new releases, while the theatrical release window has been dramatically shortened.

To help attract moviegoers, theatres are programming more unique event screenings, such as sing-alongs of Netflix sensation “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” a one-weekend-only release party for Taylor Swift’s latest album, and re-releases of classic blockbusters, such as “Jaws” and “Avatar.” All of those have been hot tickets.

Segal said he hopes Lilith Fair will catch a similar wave of enthusiasm.

“People want to be with other folks to see something that will move them,” he said.

“We think there’s an opportunity to capture an audience that doesn’t want to see this on a home screen.”

“Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery” will screen at Vancouver’s Rio Theatre on Nov. 3, Halifax’s Carbon Arc Cinema on Nov. 8, and Toronto’s Hot Docs Cinema on Nov. 15 and 22.

Other dates are scheduled at Ontario indie cinemas in Waterloo, Ottawa, London and Hamilton.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 31, 2025.