REVIEW: Beam Me Up, Sulu | 33rd Raindance Film Festival

Beam Me Up, Sulu is a nostalgic deep-dive into the world of fan filmmaking, community, and one very unexpected piece of Star Trek history. This documentary, directed by Timour Gregory and Sasha Schneider, explores the resurrection of a long-lost 1985 fan film, Yorktown: A Time to Heal, and the surprising involvement of Star Trek legend George Takei.

It begins with a seemingly light-hearted premise: a college student in the ‘80s persuades Takei to appear in his homemade Trek film. But as the story unfolds, the film becomes something far richer - an exploration of representation, fandom, and resilience. The original footage was believed to be lost for decades until it was unearthed in 2022, setting the stage for a poignant reassembly of the project and a reflection on its legacy.

Takei’s presence gives the film both gravitas and heart. His commentary on diversity in the original Star Trek series, the barriers he faced as an Asian-American actor, and the genuine warmth he expresses toward the amateur filmmakers give the documentary real emotional depth. “The passion, the absolute dedication and love… it moved me,” he reflects, and it’s easy to see why.

The film balances its archival material, fan interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage with real skill. Contributors such as Eugene Roddenberry Jr. and Star Trek: Voyager’s Garrett Wang add insight and texture. But it’s the everyday fans - from marginalised communities, young and old - who give the film its emotional resonance. For many, Star Trek offered a space where they felt seen.

The editing is slick, and despite juggling nearly four decades of footage and context, the documentary maintains a clear narrative and strong pace. While a few segments could have been tightened, overall it’s a compelling, crowd-pleasing journey that never loses its sense of wonder.

Premiering at the 33rd Raindance Film Festival, Beam Me Up, Sulu landed to laughter, tears, and a well-earned standing ovation. It’s not just a film about fandom - it’s a celebration of creativity, perseverance, and the power of being included in the stories we love.

A joyful, moving tribute to fandom and forgotten dreams. Whether you're a Trekkie or not, Beam Me Up, Sulu will remind you why stories matter - and how far passion can boldly go.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

World Premiere at the 33rd Raindance Film Festival 25th - 26th June 2025.

FILM DETAILS

• World Premiere: 25th June 2025

• TL;DR: In 1985, George Takei joined a group of dedicated Star Trek fans to create a student film deep in the California forest only for the footage to mysteriously vanish - until now.

• Director: Timour Gregory, Sasha Schneider

• Cast: George Takei, Eugene Roddenberry Jr., Stan Woo, Alexander Siddig, Christina Chong

• Genres: Documentary

• Run time: 90 Minutes

• Cert: -