John Lilly and the Earth Coincidence Control Office

This superbly crafted documentary on utopian neuroscientist John C. Lilly is a fascinating tale of paranoia, obsession and discovery.

Screening dates and booking

Check which tickets are still available across the festival – and find out about extra ticket releases and standby queues.

Credits

  • Directors-screenwriters

    Michael Almereyda, Courtney Stephens

  • With

    Chloë Sevigny, Alejandro Jodorowsky

  • USA 2025. 88min

  • Courtesy of

    Subtle Body Films

  • Language

    English

Introduction

At the height of American Cold-War paranoia, Lilly’s experiments into animal and extraterrestrial communications, and the possibilities for human consciences, signalled him as a brilliant but troubled mind. Through archival footage and layered sound design, the film contextualises Lilly within the wider counter-culture of the time, while exploring broader ethical questions about the interrelationship between species and the limits of scientific knowledge.

Kristy Matheson

Content warning

Contains scenes of animal cruelty and drug use.

How to book

Tickets start from £10 for all screenings and events in London, with concessions available for many screenings. Booking information and ticket prices.

If you’re aged 16 to 25, sign up for free to BFI 25 and Under for a chance to get £6 tickets to all screenings and events (subject to availability).

Missed out?

More tickets may become available for these screenings before and during the festival. Find out about extra ticket releases and standby queues.

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