The film

Tura!The one and only.

Directed by Cody Jarrett · Produced by Siouxzan Perry · Narrated by Margaret Cho

The authorized documentary on the cult icon who punched her way out of burlesque and into film history, told through home movies, never-before-seen footage and Tura’s own archive.

Theatrical poster for TURA!, the authorized documentary about Tura Satana

Synopsis

Female rage and resilience, traced from burlesque to cult immortality.

Asian American Panorama · USA · Cult, Documentary · 2024 · 105 mins

The one and only Tura Satana. Best remembered for her role as the fierce Varla in Russ Meyer’s 1965 cult classic Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!, Tura’s real life was just as wild and unapologetic as her on-screen persona. And her post-film legacy was just as noteworthy, leaving a fist-shaped mark on pop culture and an indelible signature in burlesque stages, queer clubs and comic conventions everywhere.

TURA! is a powerful homage to female rage and resilience, tracing the exploitation star’s tumultuous journey for independence and revenge. Narrated by Margaret Cho, the film features interviews with legends John Waters and Dita Von Teese, alongside Tura’s family, friends and colleagues as they dish about her dangerous lifestyle, her body count and her life off-camera.

Rare archival footage offers a glimpse into the gritty corners of the entertainment industry where Tura thrived, shining as a larger-than-life figure. The documentary paints an intimate portrait of a previously enigmatic femme fatale, a trailblazing Asian American woman who reclaimed control over her fetishized identity and redefined what it meant to be a strong, provocative woman in entertainment.

More than just a screen siren, Tura Satana was a force of nature. Hail Satana!

Tura Satana on the set of Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!, 1965
Tura on set · 1965Archive

Credits

The people
behind the film.

Directed by
Cody Jarrett
Produced by
Siouxzan Perry, Cody Jarrett
Narrated by
Margaret Cho
Executive producers
Margaret Cho, Sarah Martin
Co-executive producers
Max Borges, Joseph Dickstein
Runtime
105 minutes
Year
2024
Language
English

Featuring John Waters, Dita Von Teese, Pamela Des Barres, Ted V. Mikels, original Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill! and Russ Meyer cast members, and Tura’s two daughters.

Festival run

From premiere
to streaming.

San Diego Asian Film Festival 2024 laurelSitges Documenta 2025 laurel
  1. 2024

    World premiere · San Diego Asian Film Festival

    The film’s official sneak preview premiere, November 9th, with a video intro by Margaret Cho and a cast and crew Q&A moderated by KPBS’ Beth Accomando.

  2. 2025

    Sitges Film Festival · Official selection

    TURA! screens at Sitges as part of the festival’s Documenta lineup.

  3. 2025

    Theatrical release with Quiver

    Released in select theaters across the US.

  4. 2026

    Sydney Underground Film Festival · Official selection

    The film continues its festival run with a selection at SUFF.

  5. Now

    Streaming everywhere in the US & Canada

    Watch TURA! at home, any time.

Now streaming

Watch it.
Then tell us.

Streaming everywhere in the US and Canada. Official merch and the soundtrack are waiting too.