Anderson’s 75-Minute Concert Film Captures Winter’s Carnegie Hall Debut

Key points

• The film documents Cameron Winter’s solo performance at Carnegie Hall on December 11, 2025, featuring 12 songs including 'It All Fell in the River' and 'God is real.'
• Paul Thomas Anderson directed the 75-minute film, which was shot on 35mm and 16mm, with Benny Safdie serving as co-producer and camera operator.
• The documentary premiered at the New York Film Festival on October 1, 2026, and is scheduled for a wide theatrical release in the US on November 20, 2026.
• Winter’s performance is described as a 'communion' and 'ancient ritual,' with critics comparing his baritone voice to Bob Dylan and Thom Yorke.
• The film features minimal editing, focusing on the raw performance and audience reaction, with no interviews or voiceovers.

Background

Cameron Winter, frontman of the indie rock band Geese, has been a prominent figure in the New York music scene since 2024, releasing his solo album 'Heavy Metal' that year. His band Geese has been described as a significant act in the five boroughs this decade. Paul Thomas Anderson, known for his work in film and music videos, has previously directed concert films, including 'Junun' in 2015. The New York Film Festival has been a key venue for premiering significant cultural works, including this concert film.

How outlets are covering it

Vulture emphasizes the behind-the-scenes dynamics, noting Anderson’s hands-on approach and Winter’s physical exertion during filming. The Guardian highlights the film’s 'sumptuous' and 'austere' quality, comparing it to an 'ancient ritual' and praising its preservation of the live experience. Rolling Stone focuses on the film’s technical excellence, comparing it to Jonathan Demme’s 'Stop Making Sense' and New Order’s 'The Perfect Kiss,' and notes Anderson’s humanist approach. Variety praises the film’s 'sonorous spell' and Winter’s 'miraculous' voice, comparing him to Bob Dylan and Thom Yorke, while noting the film’s slow-motion song cycle structure.

Why it matters

The film captures a significant moment in the career of a young artist, Cameron Winter, and showcases Paul Thomas Anderson’s ability to elevate a live performance into a cinematic experience. It also highlights the growing importance of concert films in preserving and sharing cultural moments, particularly in the context of a rapidly changing music industry.

What to watch

The film is set for a wide theatrical release in the US on November 20, 2026, with UK and Australia releases to follow in 2027. A live album from the Carnegie Hall show is also expected to be released soon.