REVFF26: Sun Ra: Do the Impossible

Sun Ra: Do The Impossible dives into the groundbreaking work of the visionary jazz musician and Godfather of Afrofuturism.

From swing to bebop to free jazz, Sun Ra bridged myriad musical styles to form his own avant-garde sound. With his ever-evolving collective, the Arkestra, he stretched the boundaries of jazz and self-produced more than 200 records, in addition to being one of the first Black artists to have his own record label. Remembered today as the “Godfather of Afrofuturism,” Sun Ra weaved ancient Egyptian and interstellar metaphors into a definitive musical and spiritual vision that resonates across generations.

Featuring archival footage and stills, performance clips, and original interviews, Sun Ra: Do The Impossible is a kaleidoscopic view of the artist’s legacy, from his early days growing up in Alabama to his musical journey around the country through cities such as Chicago, New York, Berkeley, and Philadelphia as bandleader of his Arkestra. Interviews with notable Arkestra members, including Marshall Allen, Ahmed Abdullah, Cheryl Banks-Smith, and Michael Ray, provide profound insight into his artistry, while conversations with scholars and music experts like King Britt, Harmony Holiday, Fred Moten, and Thomas Stanley highlight Sun Ra’s influence on today’s music.

Festivals & Awards

Doc 'n Roll | Official Selection
CPH:DOX | Official Selection
Tribeca Film Festival | Official Selection

Documentary
Dir. Christine Turner
USA
2026