By Maria Esteves - July 19, 2011

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (A.M.P.A.S.) “Monday Nights with Oscar” 1967 Academy Award nominated documentary FESTIVAL (1967), produced/directed by Murray Lerner commenced at The Academy Theater (Lighthouse International), New York, Monday, July 18, 7:00 pm. A special onstage discussion with Academy Award winning documentarian Murray Lerner and legendary singer-songwriter Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary moderated by AMPAS New York program director Patrick Harrison immediately followed. Monday Nights With Oscar screened a new print of FESTIVAL (1967) from the Academy Film Archive. Attendees included designer Anna Sui, celebrity guests, Academy members, and the general public.

FESTIVAL (1967) is an outstanding musical documentary that captures live performances and interviews from the American annual Newport Folk music festival in Newport, Rhode Island from 1963 to 1966. Lerner’s three years of black and white concert footage encompassing 15 recorded albums includes Bob Dylan, Freedom Singers, Joan Baez, Johnny Cash, Judy Collins, Odetta, Peter, Paul and Mary, Pete Seeger, Son House, The Staple Singers and many others. These legendary folk and blues songs speak to the heart of humanity then and now. Just to name a few such as Peter, Paul, and Mary (If I Had a Hammer, The Answer is Blowing in the Wind, The Times They are Changing), Bob Dylan (Maggie’s Farm, Mr. Tambourine Man), Freedom Singers (We Shall Overcome) and Johnny Cash (I Walk The Line). In FESTIVAL, Son House profoundly describes "the blues" music. Joan Baez said, “Truth and love is buried in our society. We have to come back to it.”

Murray Lerner also directed “The Other Side of the Mirror: Bob Dylan at the Newport Folk Festival 1963-1965" and “Leonard Cohen Live At The Isle Of Wight 1970.” Aviva Press exclusive coverage of The Other Side of the Mirror: Bob Dylan at the Newport Folk Festival 1963-1965, Leonard Cohen Live At The Isle Of Wight 1970, and Interview with Murray Lerner.

FESTIVAL!, producer/director Murray Lerner | USA | 1967 | 95 minutes | Patchke Productions | 1967 Academy Award nominated for best documentary feature is available on DVD.

FESTIVAL Trailers

The Academy’s “Monday Nights With Oscar” monthly showcase Academy Award winning or nominated films. Monday Nights With Oscar NYC monthly film screening of AIRPLANE!, will be held in August, 2011 at the Academy Theater (Lighthouse International). For further information, visit www.oscars.org or call 1.212.821.9251.