The resurgence of interest in cultural phenomena from the past has led Gen Z to discover Lilith Fair, an all-female music festival that ran from 1997 to 1999. A new documentary titled "Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery" highlights the festival's origins and its lasting influence. The film features viral TikTok posts from young women expressing their surprise at learning about the festival, along with an interview with pop star Olivia Rodrigo, who was born in 2003. Rodrigo reflects on her disbelief at not knowing about the festival, which showcased many artists she grew up listening to.

Directed by Ally Pankiw, the documentary premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and will debut on CBC and CBC Gem on September 17. It serves as both a nostalgic look back for those who attended Lilith Fair and an introduction for those unfamiliar with it. Sarah McLachlan, the festival's founder, aimed to create a platform for female artists who were often marginalized in the music industry. She expressed her frustration with the industry's treatment of women, stating, "Lilith didn’t start out as a social or political statement. It started out with a really simple concept: Why don’t we just do something ourselves?"

McLachlan's vision led to the creation of Lilith Fair, named after Adam's first wife in Jewish lore, who defied subservience. The festival featured prominent artists such as Erykah Badu, Sheryl Crow, and Jewel, and included performances from emerging talents like Christina Aguilera and Nelly Furtado. Over its three summers, Lilith Fair held 134 concerts across 34 cities, raising $7 million for women's shelters and nonprofits.

Despite its success, Lilith Fair faced criticism and ridicule from mainstream media, often being the target of misogynistic jokes. Pankiw, who was approached to direct the documentary, sought to challenge these misconceptions. "I wanted to rectify my own understanding of Lilith Fair, because I think I was sold a very unfair version of it as a young adult," she said.

The festival provided a safe space for female and LGBTQ+ attendees, a sentiment echoed by co-producer Dan Levy, who attended as a closeted teen. He described it as a pivotal moment in his life, saying, "It was one of the very first times I remember feeling comfortable. That’s a huge thing for a young person."

Lilith Fair also set a precedent for modern music festivals by including artisan villages and side stages for local artists. Emm Gryner, who performed at the festival in 1997, recalled the sense of community fostered by McLachlan, who made handmade gifts for all the artists. Kathleen Edwards, who worked at the Starbucks tent during the festival, expressed her gratitude for being part of the documentary's soundtrack.

The festival was not without its challenges, facing protests and criticism over its support for pro-choice organizations and perceived lack of diversity. A revival attempt in 2010 failed due to low ticket sales and last-minute cancellations by headliners. McLachlan attributed the failure to a combination of financial and demographic factors but acknowledged the current cultural climate might be ripe for a new iteration of Lilith Fair.

"People ask me, ‘Well, could you just give someone the name?’ And I’m too much of a control freak for that," McLachlan said. She emphasized that any revival would need to be led by a young artist who could bring a fresh perspective.

As she prepares for a fall tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of her album "Fumbling Towards Ecstasy," McLachlan has also released her first new album in over a decade, titled "Better Broken." She reflects on her journey, stating, "If there’s one thing I hope people take away from the film, it’s this: Never underestimate the power of a woman to create." The documentary aims to honor the legacy of Lilith Fair while inspiring a new generation of artists.