If It Be Your Will - a film through the eyes of Adam Cohen

[B4real]

I wasn't sure which section to post this in - Tribute Concerts or News because the content is both.
Moderators, please move it to News if you think that's more appropriate.

Leonard Cohen If It Be Your Will | Films - CBC Gem
https://gem.cbc.ca/leonard-cohen-if-it-be-your-will

A cinematic celebration of Leonard Cohen's music, life, and legacy through the eyes of his son Adam and tribute performances by musical icons.

Duration: 77 min
Production year: 2024
Air date: 2024-11-20
Availability date: 2024-11-20
Country: Canada
Collaborator(s): Adam Cohen
Performer(s): Leonard Cohen, Elvis Costello, Lana Del Rey, Sting, Feist, Damien Rice, The Lumineers, k.d. Lang

Another link –
https://www.themain.com/bulletin/cbc-mo ... ms-cbc-gem

This CBC Gem page features a documentary titled 'Leonard Cohen: If It Be Your Will' exploring the life and music of the legendary Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen. The film delves into Cohen's personal and spiritual journey through interviews, live performances, and archival footage. Fans of Leonard Cohen will enjoy this intimate look at his artistry and legacy.

It’s also on Apple TV –
https://tv.apple.com/au/movie/leonard-c ... q6q7pw64tx

I’ve just now watched this documentary here on my local TV SBS On Demand. I remember most of the clips from previous videos over the many years and from the 2017 Memorial Concert in Montreal.
It’s been well put together and I found it quite emotional in places. Link below -

Watch Leonard Cohen: If It Be Your Will | Stream free on SBS On Demand
https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/tv-prog ... 9623491604

Leonard Cohen: If It Be Your Will
Special, Documentary
1h 15m 2024
Offers profound insight into the life of Leonard Cohen and why he is a revered songwriter, featuring footage of Leonard talking about his literary, musical, and spiritual experience.

I have to say that I hope SBS in Australia continues to show Leonard Cohen content whether it's old or new

[B4real]

Thanks for moving my post and yes, it's better here

Some more details about this documentary- https://www.cbc.ca/television/sting-cou ... -1.7389351

Leonard Cohen: If It Be Your Will, a new concert documentary featuring stunning performances and tributes

Posted: Nov 21, 2024 4:35 PM EST | Last Updated: November 22

In 2017, just one year after iconic Canadian songwriter Leonard Cohen's death, thousands gathered at the Bell Centre in Montreal to honour his poetic brilliance. Much more than a concert, it was a touching symphony of memories, music and tributes to one of the greatest lyricists in the world.

"He had this kind of wisdom that we all crave and had a way of translating it into the human realm, into the human mindset. And did it with such generosity and such kindness, and humour, that he really, to me, he was a translator of the gods," says singer k.d. lang, who appeared on stage in a heart-stopping rendition of his (and later her) iconic hit Hallelujah. Cohen once joked there should be a moratorium on 'Hallelujah'...."except k.d. lang."
'Hallelujah' is arguably Leonard Cohen's most well-known song, covered by an amazing array of artists. "The saturation point of that song ... has maybe come," says k.d. lang. "But as a song, I probably will never exhaust the possibilities that the lyrics give me."

That incredible night has been released as a new documentary Leonard Cohen If It Be Your Will, now available on CBC Gem.

The film, thoughtfully curated by the Leonard Cohen estate, features rare and intimate footage of Cohen reflecting on pivotal moments in his remarkable life, including his time at Manhattan's iconic Chelsea Hotel, his relationship with muse Marianne Ihlen and his triumphant return to live performances well into his 70s.
In 2016, Leonard Cohen learned that his lover and muse, Marianne Ihlen, was dying of leukemia. He penned a letter to her, a final goodbye, and then died four months after her.

Cohen's son and collaborator, Adam Cohen, pays tribute to his father with behind-the-scenes moments, home videos and interviews with friends and family. He takes to the stage to perform some of his father's songs backed by Cohen's original band and musicians from the Montreal Symphony Orchestra.
"I grew up next to this enormous tree and my fate was to be in his midst. My father was incredibly generous and didn't have this feeling of self-importance. His music does live on, the thing that he was so grateful for. 'Thank you,' he would say, 'for keeping my songs alive.' And the world is doing that," Adam says.

Cohen's songs are brought to life by a star-studded lineup that includes Sting, Elvis Costello, Lana del Rey, The Lumineers, Damien Rice, Patrick Watson and Courtney Love.

Commentary and cameo performances by Bruce Springsteen, Peter Gabriel, Celine Dion and others invite the audience to laugh, cry and celebrate a man who is one of the greatest songwriters of our time.

Says Leonard himself on screen, "I'm not just interested in going from city to city to gather the applause of the people. You don't want to go in front of people unless you feel you can give them something, and you can return to them the love that they feel.

To me, one of the best things I can do is to write a song and sing it to people. It's just my voice. Each man has a song, and this is my song."

[LisaLCFan]

This sounds great -- I'd love to see it!

For those of us in Canada, it is on yet another subscription-only streaming service -- I wish that all of the Cohen stuff were in one place -- a "Leonard Cohen Channel" would be perfect (maybe toss in videos of related artists, etc.), I'd subscribe to that!

[B4real]

"So long, Marianne." Leonard Cohen's son Adam performs a final goodbye to his father's lifelong love

Below is a link to one of the most poignant moments above in this documentary -
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.6570207

There are also other links on this same page to specific moments plus a link to the whole documentary.

Lisa,
These links can be seen in Australia and hopefully you can see them in Canada too!

Also, for those who can access the links - enjoy!
Some of you will have been at that memorial concert so hopefully here’s a chance to re-live that experience

[LisaLCFan]

...These links can be seen in Australia and hopefully you can see them in Canada too!...

Thank you! The links to the excerpts do work in Canada! I have since discovered that I can create an account on "CBC Gem" for free (which is streaming the documentary in Canada), and then I can watch it with ads, or, for a mere $6, I can go "premium" and lose the ads. Sounds good to me! I look forward to watching it!

[B4real]

Glad to help, Lisa
Have fun!

[B4real]

Leonard Cohen: If It Be Your Will

In 2017 in Montreal thousands gathered to honour the poetic brilliance of Leonard Cohen.

• AUSTRALIA'S LEADING TV BLOG
• Published by David Knox on December 26, 2024

https://tvtonight.com.au/2024/12/airdat ... -will.html

SBS screens music documentary Leonard Cohen: If It Be Your Will.

For Australian viewers, this show is now on free to air SBS TV tonight at 8:35pm.
It seems my words that SBS is becoming LC's TV station in Australia is coming true

In November 2017, the Bell Centre in Montreal became a sacred ground where thousands gathered to honour the poetic brilliance of Leonard Cohen.

“Tower of Song: A Memorial Tribute to Leonard Cohen” was more than a concert; it was a mesmerising symphony of music, memories and heartfelt tributes.

Featuring Cohen’s original band and musicians from the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, the event included performances by Sting, Elvis Costello, Lana Del Rey, Feist, Damien Rice, The Lumineers, k.d. lang, Courtney Love, and Cohen’s son and collaborator, Adam Cohen, among others.

This documentary combines the electrifying performances from that evening with intimate interviews and rare archival footage of Leonard Cohen. Offstage, Adam Cohen, and other artists, share personal anecdotes and reflections, highlighting Cohen’s impact on their lives and his profound influence in the world of music. These insights paint a rich portrait of Leonard Cohen, as an artist and man.

8.35pm Friday, 27 December on SBS.

[LisaLCFan]

I watched this last night. It was lovely, a very touching tribute to Leonard Cohen, and the musical performances were very enjoyable. It was nice to see a few familiar faces on stage, too! That must have been quite the night in Montreal -- wish I'd been there.

[astranger]

I hope we get to see this in the US!

[Zimmer]

I hope we get to see this in the US!

Just create a free account with a vpn set to Canada and you can see it right now.

[B4real]

2025 Winner
Rockie Awards

Leonard Cohen: If It Be Your Will

Peacock Alley Entertainment
CANADA
- Arts & Culture

https://rockies.playbackonline.ca/winne ... +Your+Will

The only film officially sanctioned by the Cohen family, IF IT BE YOUR WILL evokes the essence of Cohen's work: it’s a blend of melancholy, hope, and deep human insight. More than an homage, it's a heartfelt celebration of Leonard Cohen's life and legacy, inviting audiences to laugh, cry, and find solace in the timeless music and words of one of the most influential writers, poets, and songwriters of our time. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to Cohen's work, this unique cinematic experience is an emotional journey into the soul of a legend.

[LisaLCFan]

2025 Winner
Rockie Awards

Leonard Cohen: If It Be Your Will

Nice accolade for a very nice film!