Deep Dive: Festival Express (2003)
Film Lens
Festival Express is a documentary film that covers the 1970 train tour across Canada featuring popular rock bands such as Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, and The Band. The film combines concert footage from the tour with contemporary recollections from the musicians involved. It captures the atmosphere of the tour, which included non-stop jam sessions and partying on a chartered train, emphasizing the camaraderie among the artists.
The film was produced by Gavin Poolman and John Trapman, directed by Bob Smeaton, and features original footage shot by Academy Award-winning cinematographer Peter Biziou. The tour took place in Toronto, Winnipeg, and Calgary, with a planned event in Montreal that was canceled due to scheduling conflicts. The documentary presents a unique look at a significant moment in rock history, showcasing the music and culture of the era.
Why Watch
- •See Janis Joplin and Jerry Garcia jam on a train.
- •Find out why the Montreal concert was canceled.
- •Meet the bands that defined rock in the 1970s.
Did You Know
•The train for Festival Express consisted of 14 cars, including two engines.
•The Montreal event was canceled due to St. Jean-Baptiste Day celebrations.
•Festival Express was released by THINKFilm in the U.S. and Optimum Releasing in the U.K.
Perfect For
1970s rock music fansDocumentary enthusiastsTrain travel lovers