New Sun Ra documentary premieres in Philadelphia, showcasing the artist’s journey from Germantown to Saturn and his impact on music and culture.

Christine Turner, a filmmaker based in San Francisco, is delving into the extraordinary life and legacy of Sun Ra through her new documentary titled “Sun Ra: Do the Impossible.” Sun Ra, born Herman Poole Blount in Birmingham, Alabama, is celebrated not only as a composer and pianist but also as an innovative bandleader and poet. He led the Sun Ra Arkestra, a group renowned for its avant-garde approach to jazz, which included theatrical performances and a philosophy that intertwined music with cosmic themes.

In her documentary, which spans 85 minutes, Turner explores the depth of Sun Ra’s influence on jazz and contemporary culture. The film outlines his unique experiences, including a purported “transmolecularization” event in 1936, where he claimed to have been teleported to Saturn and returned with a mission to promote peace through music. Sun Ra’s contributions to jazz are significant, tracing a path from traditional New Orleans styles to cutting-edge electronic experimentation.

Turner’s film features insights from notable figures in the music industry, including King Britt, a DJ and producer, as well as poet and activist Moor Mother. Both discuss Sun Ra’s extensive discography, which includes hundreds of self-produced albums, demonstrating a prolific artistic output that reshaped jazz. The documentary highlights the ongoing relevance of Sun Ra’s work, particularly as his influence persists in the music of contemporary artists such as Thundercat, Flying Lotus, and André 3000.

The documentary is timely, coinciding with a revival of Sun Ra’s legacy in popular culture. The Red Hot organization has launched several tribute albums, and major art institutions have showcased his work. Furthermore, Sun Ra’s Arkestra, now led by the distinguished musician Marshall Allen, continues to perform and introduce new audiences to his avant-garde compositions.

Moreover, Turner emphasizes the intellectual depth of Sun Ra, portraying him not merely as a musical eccentric but as a visionary thinker who encouraged African Americans to embrace their imaginations as a pathway to transcendence. “Sun Ra: Do the Impossible” serves as an invitation for both new and existing fans to reevaluate the artist and recognize his contributions to the cultural dialogue on Afrofuturism.

The film is set to be screened in-person at the Wilma Theater during the BlackStar Film Festival, with virtual streaming options available shortly thereafter. For enthusiasts of jazz and those interested in cultural history, “Sun Ra: Do the Impossible” represents a compelling exploration of an artist whose work continues to resonate deeply across generations.

For more details on the film and its screenings, visit BlackStarFest.org.