Is Festival Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Festival is likely a skip if you enjoy Documentary movies.
It features a runtime of 97 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Festival Review
Last updated: January 11, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1967, Festival enters the Documentary genre with a narrative focused on Black and white footage of performances, interviews, and conversations at the Newport Folk Festival, from 1963 to 1966. Under the direction of Murray Lerner, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Horton Barker. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, Festival offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, Festival resonates with current cultural themes in the Documentary space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of early 2026, Festival is available for streaming on Criterion Channel. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of Festival centers on a unique premise within the Documentary landscape. Black and white footage of performances, interviews, and conversations at the Newport Folk Festival, from 1963 to 1966. The headliners are Peter, Paul and Mary, Joan Baez, Pete Seeger, and Bob Dylan, who's acoustic and electric. Son House and Mike Bloomfield talk about the blues; John Hurt, Howlin' Wolf, and Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee show its range. The Osborne Brothers perform bluegrass. Donovan, Johnny Cash, Judy Collins, Mimi and Dick Farina, and others less well known also perform. Several talk musical philosophy, and there's a running commentary about the nature and appeal of folk music. The crowd looks clean cut. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1967 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of Festival has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a Festival sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for Festival (1967): with an audience rating of 5.7/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of Documentary, Music cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Where to Watch Festival Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Criterion ChannelParents Guide & Age Rating
Festival has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.7/10, and global collection metrics, Festival stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1967 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Festival movie hit or flop?
Festival has received mixed reviews with a 5.7/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Festival worth watching?
Festival is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Documentary, Music movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Festival online?
Festival is currently available for streaming on Criterion Channel. You can also check for it on platforms like Criterion Channel depending on your region.
Explore More Verdicts
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is Festival movie hit or flop?
Festival has received mixed reviews with a 5.7/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Festival worth watching?
Festival is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Documentary, Music movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Festival online?
Festival is currently available for streaming on Criterion Channel. You can also check for it on platforms like Criterion Channel depending on your region.
What is the story of Festival?
Festival is a Documentary, Music movie that follows: Black and white footage of performances, interviews, and conversations at the Newport Folk Festival, from 1963 to 1966. The headliners are Peter, Paul and Mary, Joan Baez, Pete Seeger, and Bob Dylan, ...
Is Festival family friendly?
Festival is classified as Documentary, Music. We recommend checking the official age rating before watching with children.
What language is Festival available in?
Festival is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Synopsis
Black and white footage of performances, interviews, and conversations at the Newport Folk Festival, from 1963 to 1966. The headliners are Peter, Paul and Mary, Joan Baez, Pete Seeger, and Bob Dylan, who's acoustic and electric. Son House and Mike Bloomfield talk about the blues; John Hurt, Howlin' Wolf, and Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee show its range. The Osborne Brothers perform bluegrass. Donovan, Johnny Cash, Judy Collins, Mimi and Dick Farina, and others less well known also perform. Several talk musical philosophy, and there's a running commentary about the nature and appeal of folk music. The crowd looks clean cut.
Critic Reviews
No reviews found for this filter.