John Lennon and Yoko Ono ‘One to One’ Concert Documentary Coming
by Best Classic Bands Staff
John Lennon and Yoko Ono (Photo © Ben Ross Photography; used with permission)
A new feature documentary about John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s life in New York in the early 1970s has been announced. The film, One to One: John & Yoko, from Mercury Studios, features newly transferred and restored 16mm film footage including Lennon’s only full-length concert performances after The Beatles, as well as a wealth of previously unseen and unheard personal archives, such as phone calls and home movies recorded and filmed by the couple themselves. It’s described in the May 29, 2024, announcement as “a moving look at the couple’s life upon their entry into a transformative 1970’s New York, exploring their musical, personal, artistic, social, and political world.” Set in 1972 against the backdrop of a turbulent era in American history, the film was directed by Kevin Macdonald. No release date was revealed.
At the core of the story are the One to One Concerts at Madison Square Garden, where Lennon was accompanied by Yoko Ono, The Plastic Ono Band, Elephant’s Memory and Special Guests. The remixed concert audio was produced by Sean Ono Lennon.
“I wanted to make a film that surprises and delights even the most dedicated Lennon and Ono fans by focusing on one transformative period in their lives and telling the tale through their own words, images and music,” said Macdonald. “Built around the beautiful 16mm film footage of the only full-length concert John gave after leaving the Beatles I hope the film will introduce the audience to a more intimate version of John and Yoko – while also reflecting their politically radical and experimental sides.”
Watch a brief rehearsal clip posted on YouTube several years ago
Sean Ono Lennon says, “Kevin’s documentary brings completely fresh insight into my parents’ lives during their Bank Street and early New York years, showing first hand their unwavering dedication to promoting peace and non-violence during a turbulent era of unrest, corruption and unnecessary war.”
The film is described as an honest and intimate look at a pivotal year in John and Yoko’s lives – a melting pot of politics, youth culture, self-growth, and spine-tingling artistry.
Macdonald is no stranger to documentaries, directing multiple award-winning stories such as Oscar® winning One Day in September, BAFTA Best British Film Touching the Void, and others.
Related: Lennon’s 1973 album, Mind Games, is getting a 50th anniversary box set and book
2 Comments so far
Jump into a conversationC’mon Yoko, we can’t even get a small clip of this film to see?
I have a 5 CD 2 DVD set of this-i believe under John lennon live in NYC there are dvds