Leonard Cohen: Bird on a Wire

Captured on tour and ‘off-duty’ this almost lost and forgotten documentary showcases one of the world’s most respected singer-songwriters. Following Leonard Cohen on his 1972 World Tour – featuring performances in Berlin, Vienna, Copenhagen and Israel – this is an exciting release of a once controversial film directed by celebrated British filmmaker Tony Palmer. Interspersed with expressionist footage from the time, Cohen’s artistry and creative force soars through 19 classic performances including Famous Blue Raincoat, Sisters of Mercy and So Long Mariane and features some of his most rousing and thought-provoking poetry. 

After a troubled post production process, a recut version of the film screened briefly in London cinemas and on German TV in 1974. It then remained unseen for decades and considered lost, until boxes of the original 16mm footage were discovered in a fragile condition. Palmer painstakingly reconnected the orginal film, which received rave reviews from critics and fans alike. 

SPECIAL GUESTS: We are joined by legendary director, Tony Palmer, who will share the story behind the troubled film, which Leonard Cohen said was “too confrontational”. Tony will also talk about how the film was lost for decades, then found and restored by the director, with a theatrical release in 2010 to acclaim.