The ongoing story of the Second Annual Atlanta film festival
or in Atlanta getting ready to helm a music festival that was promised to rival Woodstock,” Rash explains. “I realized then that I was at the epicenter of something special, a cultural document waiting to be captured. That’s when I got the idea to film the festival.”
Despite the hurdles of financing and the passage of time, Rash persisted in his mission to develop the reels of film from the Second Atlanta International Pop Festival. Finally, in 2012, he was able to showcase a portion of the footage at an exclusive screening in Atlanta. The film, titled “HOTLANTA: The Great Lost Rock Festival,” encapsulated the essence of the era as the ’60s transitioned into the ’70s, portraying a time of limitless possibilities and collective aspirations. The performances of iconic artists like Jimi Hendrix, B.B. King, and the Allman Brothers Band intertwined with documentary footage, blurring the lines between onstage magic and offstage camaraderie.
The response to the screening was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees reflecting on their own experiences at the festival, while others marveled at the glimpse into a bygone era. Alex Cooley, the late concert promoter, encouraged Rash to complete the project, a request that lingered even after Cooley’s passing. Through dedication and perseverance, Rash remained steadfast in his commitment to bring the historic footage to the public eye.
Fast forward to the present day, where the landscape of entertainment has evolved. The era of physical media like DVDs and blu-ray discs has waned, giving rise to streaming services and on-demand viewing. As the consumption habits of audiences shift, new platforms for engaging experiences emerge, offering a blend of entertainment and nostalgia.
One such event, “That Seventies Experience,” slated to take place at Pullman Yards on June 20, promises a journey back in time. Featuring live music, vintage markets, food trucks, and a retro roller-skating rink, the immersive gathering will also highlight Steve Rash’s 1970 film footage from the Second Atlanta International Pop Festival. The fusion of past and present, encapsulated in a single day of exploration and celebration, aims to transport attendees to a different era, embracing the spirit of the ’70s.
In a recent conversation with Rash, he shares his perspective on the enduring appeal of his Atlanta Pop Festival film. Reflecting on his illustrious career in television and film, Rash unveils the arduous yet rewarding journey of preserving the cultural snapshot captured over fifty years ago. For Rash, the project has been a labor of love, a testament to his passion for storytelling and commitment to preserving moments in time.
As preparations for “That Seventies Experience” unfold, the anticipation builds for an immersive encounter with the sights and sounds of a bygone era. Through the lens of Steve Rash’s historic footage, attendees will have the opportunity to relive a transformative moment in music history, bridging the gap between then and now. The legacy of the Second Atlanta International Pop Festival lives on, echoing the sentiments of peace, love, and music that defined a generation.