Watch The Magic Sun

The Magic Sun, directed by Phill Niblock, is a 1966 avant-garde film featuring jazz musician Sun Ra and members of his band, The Arkestra. Shot on 16mm film over several years, the movie combines improvised musical performances with experimental cinematic techniques to create a mesmerizing audio-visual experience. At its core, The Magic Sun is a celebration of African-American culture and spirituality. The film opens with a title card that reads "Space is the Place," which became a signature phrase for Sun Ra and encapsulates his cosmic worldview. Throughout the movie, we see the Arkestra performing in various locations, from outdoor parks to a church, as well as in more surreal settings like a junkyard and a desolate beach.

The music in The Magic Sun is a mix of free jazz, funk, and spacey, psychedelic sounds. Sun Ra, who composed most of the music, plays a variety of keyboards, including a Minimoog and an electric piano, while his bandmates contribute on saxophone, trumpet, bass, drums, and percussion. The performances are often accompanied by dancers or colorful images projected onto the screen, creating a sense of synesthesia.

What sets The Magic Sun apart from other concert films is its use of experimental film techniques. Niblock employs split screens, negative images, and extreme close-ups to create a disorienting, almost hypnotic effect. The editing is often rhythmic, cutting back and forth between different angles or zooming in and out on a particular performer. There are also moments of surrealism, such as when the Arkestra is shown playing music inside a giant inflatable bubble.

Despite its abstract and sometimes chaotic nature, The Magic Sun is rooted in a deep sense of spirituality. Sun Ra, who often spoke about his belief in extraterrestrial life and cosmic harmony, is shown leading the band in performances that feel like religious ceremonies. In one scene, the Arkestra plays a mournful rendition of "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child," which is followed by a shot of the sun rising over the horizon. In another, Sun Ra delivers a powerful sermon about the power of music to heal.

The Magic Sun is not a traditional narrative film, but rather a collection of musical and visual vignettes that add up to a larger whole. It is a celebration of creativity, improvisation, and the boundless possibilities of art. Even today, more than 50 years after its release, it remains a singular and visionary work that defies easy categorization. For anyone interested in jazz, experimental cinema, or avant-garde art in general, The Magic Sun is a must-see.