​​Sun Ra documentary, Door Of The Cosmos, launches Kickstarter

A new documentary, Door Of The Cosmos exploring the history of the Sun Ra omniverse and the roots of Afrofuturism has launched a Kickstarter campaign.

Proceeds from the Kickstarter campaign will fund the production of the film directed by Drew Denicola, known for his work on BIG STAR: Nothing Can Hurt Me. Other executive producers involved in the film include Marshall Allen, Ronnie Boyd, and Gill Holland. The film project has been in progress for over six years.

According to the Kickstarter page, which also offers an 8-minute sample reel, the film follows cosmic jazz titan Sun Ra, the "Vaudeville surrealist", bandleader and innovator. “Described as a celestial being, Sun Ra descended to Earth to impart the boundless power of music and to unveil and reclaim a lost history and identity for Black culture.”

The website reads: “Part oral history, part audio-visual feast, and concert performance, SUN RA: Door Of The Cosmos will bring the 60-year history of the Arkestra together with a meditative sensory experience featuring artefacts from the SUN RA Estate including interviews, poetry-readings and philosophical musings to deliver a sort of "midnight movie" theatrical journey through the SUN RA Omniverse. “

The page also highlights that many dozens of musicians have been part of the Sun Ra Arkestra over its nearly 70-year history. However, only a handful remain who can recount the full story, and several have passed away during the production of this film. 

“Fortunately for this project, we have been granted the opportunity to showcase the miracle - that is Marshall Allen, who at 100 years old is still leading the band,” the website adds. “The timing of this piece is vital as we collaborate with Marshall and his son, Ronnie in their endeavour to archive and preserve the house and its contents for future generations.”

Fans can donate to the Kickstarter project now, with several tiers available ranging from $5 to $7500. Those who donate the latter, also known as the Astro-Infinity tier, will receive a rare and original El Saturn Record from The Judith Holten aka Wisteria El Moondew Collection, a hand-cut print and more. 

In other documentary-related news, Movement, which showcases Istanbul’s vibrant underground clubbing scene was released last month. A New Avicii documentary, I'm Tim, also made its debut in New York this month, while Jayda G dropped a new single lifted from the soundtrack of her new environmental documentary, Blue Carbon, last week

You can donate to the Kickstarter and find more information on Door Of The Cosmos here.