Magnolia Pictures Secures Rights to “One to One: John & Yoko” Documentary
In an exclusive deal, Magnolia Pictures has obtained the North American rights to the much-anticipated documentary, “One to One: John & Yoko.” This captivating film delves into the transformative 18 months of one of music’s most iconic couples, John Lennon and Yoko Ono. Directed by Oscar winner Kevin Macdonald, the documentary offers a revealing glimpse into the couple’s life during their time in New York City’s Greenwich Village in the early 1970s.
The documentary, which had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival and later featured at Telluride Film Festival, is set to make its North American debut at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival in Park City from Jan. 23 to Feb. 2, 2025. However, Magnolia Pictures secured the rights ahead of its Sundance screening.
“One to One: John & Yoko” features never-before-seen footage and newly restored material, including a poignant recording of Lennon’s sole full-length concert post-Beatles era. This footage, remastered by the couple’s son, Sean Ono Lennon, provides an intimate look at a pivotal moment in music history.
The documentary is not just a musical journey but also a reflection of love, politics, and cultural immersion. Macdonald’s vision beautifully captures the essence of the year 1972, drawing parallels between that era and our current world. The film promises to challenge existing perceptions of the legendary duo, offering a fresh and humanizing perspective on their relationship.
Magnolia Pictures has ambitious plans for the release of “One to One: John & Yoko.” The film will first hit IMAX theaters exclusively on April 11 before expanding to additional cinemas. Viewers can also look forward to its release on HBO and HBO Max later in 2025.
Expressing his excitement for the film’s release, Macdonald stated, “This is a movie about music and love and politics — and about immersing yourself in the year of 1972 — a period in time that feels uncannily like the world we are currently inhabiting.” He further praised the collaboration with Sean Lennon and Mercury Studios, emphasizing the significance of the One to One concert in the documentary.
With meticulous attention to detail, “One to One: John & Yoko” recreates the couple’s Greenwich Village apartment where they absorbed American television and underwent a profound shift in their approach to activism. The One to One concert, inspired by a TV exposé they viewed, became a pivotal moment that showcased their evolving perspective on protest.
Magnolia Pictures’ co-CEOs, Eamonn Bowles and Dori Begley, lauded Macdonald’s work, describing the documentary as a “revelation” that offers a fresh and humanizing portrayal of the iconic couple. The film not only explores the musical legacy of John Lennon and Yoko Ono but