Newport, Rhode Island, September 2, 2025
News Summary
Memphis filmmaker Robert Gordon is set to premiere his documentary ‘Newport & the Great Folk Dream,’ which examines the Newport Folk Festival from 1963 to 1966. The film features newly restored archival footage and aims to highlight the cultural significance of the festival beyond its musical contributions. With collaboration from Kim Bledsoe Lloyd and Laura Jean Hocking, this documentary challenges previous narratives around folk music, focusing on themes of purity versus commercialism.
Memphis
Memphis filmmaker Robert Gordon is set to unveil his new documentary, โNewport & the Great Folk Dream,โ at its world premiere shortly. This film dives deep into the history and cultural significance of the Newport Folk Festival, focusing on pivotal years from 1963 to 1966. Gordon highlights that while music remains a central theme, the documentary transcends traditional music documentaries by exploring broader sociocultural dynamics.
Collaborating with Gordon on this significant project are co-producer Kim Bledsoe Lloyd and editor/producer Laura Jean Hocking. Their combined expertise aims to present a thought-provoking narrative that captures the essence of the folk movement during this transformative period.
โNewport & the Great Folk Dreamโ features a wealth of archival footage from renowned documentarian Murray Lerner, who had initially captured performances from the Newport Folk Festival in the 1960s. The film includes footage of legendary artists such as Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Dave Van Ronk, Pete Seeger, John Lee Hooker, Judy Collins, the Staple Singers, and Bill Monroe, much of which has been newly restored and previously unseen.
Prior to this, Lerner had released a compilation documentary titled “Festival!” in 1967, showcasing highlights from the Newport festivals. Following Lernerโs passing in 2017, producer Joe Lauro acquired his extensive archive, allowing this contemporary exploration of folk musicโs rich legacy. Notable previously unreleased clips include performances like Hooker’s electrifying โBoom Boomโ and Baezโs rendition of โLonesome Valleyโ.
A central theme of the documentary revolves around the historical narrative that contrasts with the Hollywood dramatization in the film “A Complete Unknown,โ which also depicted the Newport Folk Festival. Gordon’s intent is to present a more accurate representation of the festival’s significance and the ongoing debate over purity vs. commercialism in folk music, discussed by folklorist Alan Lomax.
This weekend, the Newport Folk Festival in Newport, Rhode Island, will feature a diverse lineup headlined by Luke Combs, Jeff Tweedy, and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, further placing a spotlight on the historical context of the music scene in which Gordon’s documentary takes place.
While plans for the future release of โNewport & the Great Folk Dreamโ have not been finalized, Gordon believes that the documentaryโs message of harmony resonates strongly in todayโs multifaceted world. As audiences prepare for the world premiere, the film promises to offer insight not only into the music that defined a generation but also into the socio-political landscape that surrounded its emergence.
FAQs
What is โNewport & the Great Folk Dreamโ about?
The documentary focuses on the Newport Folk Festival between 1963 and 1966, exploring its cultural significance beyond just music.
Who directed the documentary?
Robert Gordon is the director of the film.
When is the world premiere of the documentary?
The exact date of the world premiere has not been disclosed, but it is approaching soon.
What notable artists are featured in the documentary?
The film includes performances by Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Dave Van Ronk, Pete Seeger, John Lee Hooker, and others.
What is the significance of the archival footage used in the film?
Much of the footage is previously unseen and newly restored, providing a fresh perspective on the performances from that era.
What themes does the documentary address?
The film addresses the ongoing debate over purity vs. commercialism in folk music and aims to correct historical narratives depicted in related films.
Key Features of โNewport & the Great Folk Dreamโ
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Director | Robert Gordon |
| Collaborators | Kim Bledsoe Lloyd, Laura Jean Hocking |
| Focus Period | 1963 to 1966 |
| Archival Footage | Previously unseen footage, newly restored |
| Notable Artists | Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, John Lee Hooker, and more |
| Themes | Purity vs. commercialism in folk music |
| Historical Context | Contrasts Hollywood’s depiction in “A Complete Unknown” |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
World Premiere of ‘Newport & the Great Folk Dream’ Planned
Additional Resources
- Daily Memphian: Memphis Filmmaker Robert Gordon at Venice Film Festival
- Wikipedia: Newport Folk Festival
- Commercial Appeal: Venice Film Festival Lineup
- Google Search: Robert Gordon Newport Great Folk Dream
- Memphis Flyer: Robert Gordon’s Newport Doc to Premiere at Venice Film Fest
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Documentary Film
- Rolling Stone: Newport Folk Festival Documentary Filmmakers Interview
- Google News: Newport Folk Festival 2025
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