Sun Ra: Do the Impossible

Musician. Poet. Philosopher. Intergalactic traveler. Sun Ra was a trailblazing and enigmatic jazz legend. Featuring vibrant archival footage and interviews with the likes of Fred Moten, Terrence Nance, Moor Mother, and Marshall Allen, Sun Ra: Do the Impossible traces Sun Ra’s life from his start in Birmingham, Alabama to his collaboration with June Tyson to his Arkestra’s 1971 journey to the Egyptian pyramids. With a complex, cult-like personality, Sun Ra expected sacrifices from his collaborators and total commitment to his vision of experimental music and myth-making. This film offers a unique glimpse into the intense and inspiring history of this prolific musician who incorporated dance, poetry, and costumes in his epic big band performances and self-released his records for decades. Sun Ra’s philosophy connected his music and myths to Black liberation, striving to do the impossible as a way to push towards a new future.