“...the joy that comes from YOU HAD TO BE THERE is simply getting to watch people that we would come to know as legends trying to make it as ambitious kids.” - Ross Bonaime, Collider
“...they have the refreshing give-no-fucks air that is perfect for documentaries, looking back with fondness and candor to a time when everything felt possible—and vaguely terrifying because of that.” - Kristy Puchko, Mashable
““Exuberant and Essential...shows you that something was in the air up there, and that i spread like the world’s happiest virus.” - Owen Gleiberman, Variety
Sunday, June 21, 6:00 p.m. | YOU HAD TO BE THERE is a hilarious, emotional, and revelatory documentary about the legendary 1972 Canadian production of Godspell that changed entertainment forever. The Toronto production of the musical about the life of Jesus starred a then-unknown cast of Martin Short, Gilda Radner, Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, Dave Thomas, and Victor Garber, et al, with Paul Shaffer serving as musical director. A crazy confluence of talent, the production lit the spark that ignited the comedy revolution that followed, leading to Saturday Night Live, SCTV, and a host of movies and TV shows. The film features interviews with all the surviving members of the cast, as well as other show business luminaries who testify to the production’s profound and lasting influence. YOU HAD TO BE THERE also makes use of never-before-seen-or-heard archives from the cast, including rehearsal footage and rare audio recordings of the musical itself, as well as cast parties of the gang hanging out at Marty and Eugene’s apartment at late into the night, which shed joyful new light on this magical time and place.
Awards & Nominations
2025 Toronto International Film Festival - Official Selection
Summer Sneaks: Brought to You by IND/EX | June 21–22, 2026
Get an early glimpse of some of the summer's most exciting indie films. The Independent Film Exhibition Conference (IND/EX) returns to Chicago June 22-25, 2026, bringing together art house cinema and film festival professionals from around the country. As part of the festivities, the Siskel is opening the doors during some irregular hours to present a limited slate of sneak preview screenings from some of our favorite arthouse and film festival distributors. Free for any IND/EX badge holder and available for purchase to the general public, these special screenings offer audiences a first look at acclaimed new independent cinema before wider release.
The Film Center is ADA accessible. This presentation will be projected without open captions. The theater is hearing-loop equipped. For accessibility requests, please email filmcenter@saic.edu