John Lennon & Yoko Ono Documentary ‘One to One’ Set To Feature 1972 Iconic Concerts

A new documentary entitled One to One: John & Yoko, directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Kevin Macdonald, in cooperation with Lennon’s estate, is set to be released. The film focuses on the lives of John Lennon and Yoko Ono during the tumultuous year of 1972 in New York City, showing an intimate portrait of the couple’s life and work.

The documentary highlights Lennon’s One to One Concerts, held on August 30, 1972, at Madison Square Garden. These two shows were the only full-length performances Lennon gave after The Beatles disbanded. These concerts accompanied by Yoko, The Plastic Ono Band, Elephant’s Memory, and other special guests are the central focus of the film.

The film also features some fully restored footage and remixed audio produced by John and Yoko’s son, Sean, along with an exclusive video and unheard audio from Lennon’s archives. These materials range from phone calls to home movies recorded by Lennon and Ono themselves, showing a personal glimpse into their lives.

Lennon and Ono moved to New York City in 1971 and by 1972 were living in an apartment on Bank Street. The film provides an intimate look at their artistic, social, and political activities during this period. Producer Peter Worsley noted that part of the documentary is set inside a replica of their Bank Street apartment, constructed specifically for the project.

Director Kevin Macdonald shares his vision for the film:

“I wanted to make a film that surprises and delights even the most dedicated Lennon and Ono fans by focusing on one transformative period in their lives and telling the tale through their own words, images, and music. Built around the beautiful 16mm film footage of the only full-length concert John gave after leaving the Beatles, I hope the film will introduce the audience to a more intimate version of John and Yoko—while also reflecting their politically radical and experimental sides.”

Comments from Sean Ono and Mercury Studios Exec Alice Webb

Sean Ono Lennon shares own view of the film:

“Kevin’s documentary brings completely fresh insight into my parents’ lives during their Bank Street and early New York years, showing firsthand their unwavering dedication to promoting peace and non-violence during a turbulent era of unrest, corruption, and unnecessary war.”

Executive produced in part by Mercury Studios, the documentary is described by the company’s CEO, Alice Webb, as “a story of radical hope. It is an honest and intimate look at a pivotal year in John and Yoko’s lives—a melting pot of politics, youth culture, self-growth, and spine-tingling artistry.”

About The Director Kevin Macdonald

Kevin Macdonald, who won the Best Documentary Oscar in 2000 for One Day in September, has directed several notable films, including Being Mick (2001), Touching the Void (2003), The Last King of Scotland (2006), Marley (2012), and Whitney (2018). The premiere date for One to One: John & Yoko has not yet been announced.