Sun Ra: Do the Impossible

Synopsis

Sonic experimentation, radical community-building, and an imagination that is far beyond this world are pieces of the impossible whole of Afrofuturist pioneer Sun Ra. This documentary explores the mind of one of the most visionary figures of the 20th century—layering rare archival footage, pulsing performances, and wistful interviews into a fitting portrait of the jazz icon and philosopher. Chronicling his musical rise, including a stint in Chicago, where his radical sound and communal ethos took root, the film explores how Sun Ra used music as both spiritual weapon and liberatory technology, reimagining Black identity across space and time.

Through layered sound design woven together with a tapestry of concert recordings and rhythmic editing, director Christine Turner offers a film that sings, thinks, and soars, capturing the enduring power of Sun Ra’s mission: to dream beyond Earth and make the impossible not only visible, but inevitable.