Isabella Thornton
Here’s your ultimate guide to Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery (2025)—covering everything from its official release date and streaming platforms to the full cast lineup and a step-by-step guide on how to stream it online from anywhere in the world.
How can I watch Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery outside Canada on CBC Gem
To watch Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery outside Canada, you can stream it on CBC Gem, the broadcaster’s free on-demand platform. Since CBC Gem is geo-restricted to Canada, viewers abroad will need to use a premium VPN and connect to a Canadian server. This method allows you to unlock CBC Gem and enjoy the documentary seamlessly from anywhere in the world.
- Subscribe to NordVPN
- Install the VPN app on your device.
- Connect to a Canada-based server.
- Visit the CBC Gem website or open the app, then log in or create a new account. During registration, you’ll need to enter a Canadian postal code — you can use an online Canadian postcode generator if you don’t have one.
- Finally, you can watch Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery restriction-free!
Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery Synopsis
Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery uncovers the untold story behind the festival that challenged the male-dominated music scene. At its heart is Sarah McLachlan’s vision, a dream to create a touring stage for women artists when the industry doubted them. The film retraces the festival’s three-year run, from 1997 to 1999, when it became one of the decade’s biggest tours. Over 300 women performed, drawing more than 1.6 million fans across North America. Audiences relive electrifying performances from stars like Sheryl Crow, Jewel, and Tracy Chapman, as well as early appearances by future icons such as Christina Aguilera and Nelly Furtado. The film also shows how the festival raised over $10 million for women’s charities, proving its influence went beyond music. By weaving together past and present, the documentary highlights artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Brandi Carlile, who reflect on Lilith’s lasting legacy. More than just a concert story, it’s a portrait of solidarity, creativity, and change.
Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery Release Date:
The documentary premieres on September 17, 2025, on CBC TV and CBC Gem in Canada.
Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery Cast
- Sarah McLachlan – The visionary behind Lilith Fair, sharing her inspiration and challenges.
- Bonnie Raitt – Iconic artist reflecting on the festival’s cultural impact.
- Sheryl Crow – Superstar performer highlighting the importance of the tour.
- Erykah Badu – Bringing her unique artistry to the documentary’s narrative.
- Natalie Merchant – Offering her perspective on Lilith’s sisterhood.
- Mýa – Sharing her voice as one of the younger performers of the era.
- Jewel – One of Lilith’s most celebrated young stars.
- Emmylou Harris – Legendary singer providing depth to the festival’s story.
- Brandi Carlile – A modern artist shaped by Lilith’s influence.
- Olivia Rodrigo – Representing the new generation inspired by the festival.
- Amy Ray and Emily Saliers (Indigo Girls) – Offering reflections as longtime performers and activists.
- Directed by Ally Pankiw, blending archival footage with new reflections.
Why is Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery called the untold story?
The documentary digs into parts of Lilith Fair that have been overlooked or simplified in popular memory. It reveals how the festival was more than just concerts—it challenged broadcasting rules, gender bias, and industry beliefs. It also brings to light never-before-seen archival footage and interviews that add new layers to what people thought they already knew.
Where to watch Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery (2025) in Canada?
As of September 17, 2025, viewers in Canada can watch Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery on CBC Television, with the broadcast scheduled for prime time. The documentary is also available to stream online through CBC Gem, CBC’s free on-demand platform, and on the CBC Docs YouTube channel. This gives Canadian audiences multiple ways to experience the groundbreaking music documentary on release day.
How to Sign Up for CBC Gem:
| # | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Download the CBC Gem app or visit the website | Available on App Store (iOS), Google Play (Android), Smart TVs, or directly via gem.cbc.ca |
| 2 | Create a CBC Account | Enter your name, email, and password to register |
| 3 | Choose your plan | – Free Plan: Access to shows with ads – Premium Plan: Ad-free, live CBC News, higher quality streaming (with free trial) |
| 4 | Verify your email | Confirm your account through the verification link sent to your email |
| 5 | Start streaming | Sign in, browse the library, and enjoy CBC Gem content instantly |
Is there a official way to watch Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery online for free?
You can stream Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery for free on the CBC Docs YouTube channel, making it easily accessible without a subscription.
Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery Trailer
FAQs
- How long is the documentary?
The runtime is approximately 99 minutes. - Is there content in Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery that wasn’t public before?
Yes. The documentary draws from over 600 hours of archival footage that had not previously been widely seen. These materials help reveal new facets of Lilith Fair’s history. - When and where did the documentary premiere?
It premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival on September 13, 2025. - On what date will the film be available on streaming platforms?
In Canada, it will air on CBC and CBC Gem on September 17, 2025. In the U.S., the documentary is scheduled to be released on September 21, 2025 via Hulu (and via Hulu with Disney+ bundle) - Why now is the right time for this documentary?
Director Ally Pankiw and others say Lilith Fair’s story resonates in 2025 because issues around diversity, representation, and support of female artists are still very relevant. The documentary becomes not just history, but a reminder and inspiration.
You May Also Check This Out
When you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more about how this works.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings