Mystery, Mr. Ra

1984 · Directed by Frank Cassenti · feature documentary

French concert documentary on Sun Ra and his Arkestra, directed by Frank Cassenti. Shot in the mid‑1980s, it focuses on live performances and extended improvisations, treating the Arkestra as a cosmic big band rather than offering a conventional biographical portrait. The film includes appearances by other avant‑garde jazz figures such as Archie Shepp and emphasizes Sun Ra’s myth‑science philosophy through performance, costume, and stage ritual more than narration.