Jazz on Film

June 5–21, 2026

Celebrating the centennials of Miles Davis and John Coltrane, Jazz on Film presents Elevator to the Gallows, including a short recorded performance by Davis, who scored the film. Also featured are documentaries illuminating the lives and music of Sun Ra, Billy Strayhorn, and Mary Lou Williams, plus rare short films.

Guest curator Peter Lucas, founder of the Jazz on Film film series, has organized exhibitions, film series, and public programs in association with the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; Contemporary Arts Museum Houston; the Menil Collection; Aurora Picture Show; Seattle International Film Festival; Northwest Film Forum; and the Museum of Pop Culture. He is also a writer and multidisciplinary artist.