Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Documentary Celebrates Women's Power in Music Through Lilith Fair

9/26/2025

36 8

Summary

Story summary

Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery, directed by Ally Pankiw, covers the 1997–1999 Lilith Fair festival founded by Sarah McLachlan.
It uses 600+ hours of archival footage and interviews with Jewel and Erykah Badu, highlighting women's impact in music and contrasting with Woodstock ’99.
Pankiw aims to counter feminist trivialization, celebrate female artists, and note industry shifts toward women, including Olivia Rodrigo.

1 of 1

Story summary

Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery, directed by Ally Pankiw, covers the 1997–1999 Lilith Fair festival founded by Sarah McLachlan.
It uses 600+ hours of archival footage and interviews with Jewel and Erykah Badu, highlighting women's impact in music and contrasting with Woodstock ’99.
Pankiw aims to counter feminist trivialization, celebrate female artists, and note industry shifts toward women, including Olivia Rodrigo.