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 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1967, Festival emerges as a significant entry in the Documentary, Music domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Black and white footage of performances, interviews, and conversations at the Newport Folk Festival, from 1963 to 1966. Unlike standard genre fare, Festival attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Documentary is often anchored by its ensemble, and Festival features a noteworthy lineup led by Horton Barker . Supported by the likes of Fiddler Beers and Theodore Bikel , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Festival (1967) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.7/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Festival Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Festival is a Documentary, Music film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Festival Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Festival attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to documentary resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the documentary themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Festival reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Festival?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Documentary films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of Festival
- Horton Barker – Self
- Fiddler Beers – Self
- Theodore Bikel – Self
- Pete Seeger – Self
- Bob Dylan – Self
Top Highlights
Horton BarkerSelf
Fiddler BeersSelf
Theodore BikelSelf
Pete SeegerSelf
Bob DylanSelf
Howlin' WolfSelf
DonovanSelf
Johnny CashSelf
Judy CollinsSelf
Mike BloomfieldSelf
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.
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.