Approved by Leonard Cohen shortly before his 80th birthday in 2014, the documentary features never-before-seen archival materials from the Cohen Trust.
The documentary is a definitive exploration of the legendary singer-songwriter, told through the "prism" of his most famous work. Directed by Dan Geller and Dayna Goldfine, the film weaves together the history of the man and the unlikely, decade-long evolution of a song that transformed from a rejected record label track into a universal hymn. Three Core Themes
The film is structured around three distinct "creative strands": Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, a Journey, a Song
: Access to Cohen’s private notebooks, journals, and photographs.
: A thoughtful biography of Cohen’s life, from his Montreal upbringing and literary beginnings to his five-year retreat at a Zen monastery. Approved by Leonard Cohen shortly before his 80th
: Concert clips spanning Cohen's career, culminating in moving footage from his final tours. Critical Perspectives
: Interviews with major artists (such as Brandi Carlile and Rufus Wainwright) for whom the song has become a personal and professional touchstone. Unique Access & Materials Three Core Themes The film is structured around
: The "Hallelujah" odyssey—taking seven years to write and originally rejected by Columbia Records—before being "rescued" by John Cale and Jeff Buckley.