In 1985, Star Trek's George Takei joined a group of dedicated fans to make a student film deep in the California forest -- only for the footage to mysteriously vanish. Nearly 40 years later, the documentary Beam Me Up, Sulu, directed by Timour Gregory and Sasha Schneider, unearths this lost film, revealing not just a piece of fan history but a broader story of representation, resilience, and the ongoing fight for inclusion in media and society.
Just how the heck did this guy, Stan Woo, get George Takei to be in his goofy Star Trek fan film? The documentary is a fun and moving exploration of fandom, dedication and diversity. I had the pleasure of being interviewed for the film, and as a Star Trek fan, I'm delighted to be part of this project.
Beam Me Up, Sulu, premieres on digital platforms on February 17 (Amazon, Apple, Fandango).
If you're in New York, the filmmakers invite you to a special screening of Beam Me Up, Sulu (featuring a Q & A with George Takei) on February 17 at Village East by Angelika. Or if you're in Los Angeles, join us for a screening on February 20 at the Fine Arts Theatre.
NEW YORK CITY
February 17, 2026
7:00 pm
Village East by Angelika
Q&A with George Takei and directors Timour Gregory & Sasha Schneider
TICKETS
LOS ANGELES
February 20, 2026
7:00 pm
Fine Arts Theatre
Ian Alexander (Star Trek Discovery) in conversation with author Phil Yu (Rise: A Pop History of Asian America) and directors Timour Gregory & Sasha Schneider
TICKETS
For more information, visit sulufilm.com.
