This program features the North American restoration premiere of 'The Magic Sun' (1968), directed by Phill Niblock, a kinetic film collaborating with Sun Ra and his Arkestra. It also includes the US restoration premiere of 'We Came Back (Archie Shepp Chez Tuaregs)' (1969), documenting Archie Shepp's performance with Tuareg musicians in the Sahara. Additionally, 'Les grandes répétitions: Cecil Taylor à Paris (Great Rehearsals: Cecil Taylor in Paris)' (1968), a North American restoration premiere featuring Cecil Taylor discussing music philosophy and performance, will be shown. The screening on January 24 will be introduced by Robert O’Meally, Manthia Diawara, and Henry Threadgill.

Free Jazz on Film: Sun Ra, Cecil Taylor and Archie Shepp with Robert O’Meally (Co-Director of JGI, Professor, Author, Curator), Manthia Diawara (Historian and Filmmaker), Henry Threadgill (Composer, Musician, Artist)

Premiering newly restored films from the late 1960s, this event celebrates the music and words of three jazz legends: Sun Ra, Cecil Taylor, and Archie Shepp. The program is presented in association with the Mellon Foundation–funded Jazz Generations Initiative (JGI), aiming to spark cross-generational and cross-disciplinary collaborations.