Sun Ra’s cinematic vehicle of “alter-destiny” and Afro-futurism, Space is the Place is a combination neo-blaxploitation, sci-fi, performance footage, and a signal to his brothers and sisters that Outer Space is indeed the place for salvation.

In it, the avant-jazz composer, musician, poet, and prophet plays himself, returning to Earth from a new and distant planet in his music-powered spaceship and on “the other side of time.” Shot in 1970s Oakland, California, Ra brings with him a plea to young black folks to return with him to Outer Space, where they can really exist, as “alter-destiny” posits, in “a zone where racism [is] inoperative, where blacks [can] make their own destinies” (Jon Pareles, the New York Times)

Language: English

This screening will be preceded by a programme of shorts exploring Afro-Futurism introduced and curated by local artist Natasha Ruwona.

All films programmed by GAMIS (Glasgow Artists’ Moving Image Studios) and various community partners as part of Govanhill International Festival and Carnival 2021.

Supported by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland.