Private Project

James 'Super Chikan' Johnson - A Life in Blues

A Life in Blues both celebrates and explores the personal and musical life of one of Mississippi's most treasured sons.  Having travelled the world sharing his own unique brand of blues music, James 'Super Chikan' Johnson, at the age of 73, still strives to balance a musical career while providing for his family.  This film endeavours to not only lay bare Chikan's own story, but also examines how the culture and setting of the south has ultimately influenced his journey.

  • Mark Rankin
    Director
    Whatever Happens (short), Kodoku (short) Namadigawa (short) Lynwood (short), Juken (short)
  • Brian Wilson
    Director
    Lynwood (short), Juken (short), Namadigawa (short)
  • Mark Rankin
    Producer
  • Brian Wilson
    Producer
  • James 'Super Chikan' Johnson
    Key Cast
    "himself"
  • Cedric Burnside
    Key Cast
    "himself"
  • Charlie Musselwhite
    Key Cast
    "himself"
  • Adam Gussow
    Key Cast
    "himself"
  • Bobby Rush
    Key Cast
    "himself"
  • Mark Rankin
    Cinematography
  • Brain Wilson
    Cinematography
  • Junji Nagano
    Cinematography
  • Brian Wilson
    Editing
  • Mark Rankin
    Editing
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 20 minutes 21 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 25, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    10,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Canada
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    4k
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • Clarksdale Film and Music Festival
    Clarksdale
    United States
    January 26, 2024
    Official Selection
  • Lane Doc Fest
    Jackson, Tennessee
    United States
    October 25, 2024
    Special Festival Award
  • Chatham - Kent International Film Festival
    Chatham Kent
    Canada
    October 26, 2024
    Official Selection
  • Round the Globe Film and Music Festival
    Springfield
    United States
    October 18, 2024
    Winner - Films about Music
  • Magnolia Independent Film Festival
    Starkville, MS
    United States
    February 21, 2025
    Official Selection
  • Oxford Film Festival
    Oxford
    United States
    February 28, 2025
    Official Selection
  • Belleville International Documentary Film Festival
    Belleville
    Canada
    February 23, 2025
    Official Selection
  • Notodden Blues Festival
    Notodden
    Norway
    August 2, 2025
    Norway premiere
  • Kitchener Waterloo International Film Festival
    Kitchener/Waterloo
    Canada
    September 11, 2025
Distribution Information
  • MVD Entertainment Group
    Distributor
    Country: Worldwide
  • Encore Inflight
    Distributor
    Country: Worldwide
Director Biography - Mark Rankin, Brian Wilson

Mark Rankin is a Canadian independent filmmaker, musician and actor. James ‘Super Chikan’ Johnson - A Life in Blues, is Mark’s first feature length film. Mark’s previous writing, directing and scoring collaborations have included numerous award-winning short films, music videos and a web series. Mark is also the lead guitarist and songwriter with the popular Vancouver band, The Mojo Stars.

Brian Wilson is a Canadian independent filmmaker and screenplay writer who has co-written and co-directed two short films, two music videos and a web series. James ‘Super Chikan’
Johnson - A Life in Blues, is Brian’s first feature length film. With a background in post-secondary education and educational technology, Brian is fundamentally motivated by the power of story as a means of exploring complex and dramatic themes in an accessible and engaging manner.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

This film was born out of a passion for telling the story of a musician who is one of the last of his generation. On a personal level, for co-director, Mark Rankin, it was a chance to bring some much deserved attention to a musician who has been a great influence, both professionally and personally.