Oscilloscope Laboratories has acquired “John Lilly and the Earth Concordance Administration,” a documentary about the intrepid neurophysiologist and “psychoaviator” known for his research into dolphins, extraterrestrial life, and LSD.
The film was produced by Michael Almereyda and Courtney Stevens. Oscar nominee Chloë Sevigny narrates the picture. It features interviews with Chilean film director Alejandro Jodorowsky, naturalist Scott McVeigh, mathematician Hera McVeigh, marine scientist Diana Rees, activist Gigi Coyle, and more.
Lily’s story is certainly unique. His interest in human consciousness led him to turn to hallucinogens, which he would consume in isolation tanks or with dolphins. He also attempted to communicate with dolphins and whales, and his experiments served as inspiration for the Mike Nichols and George C. Scott thriller The Day of the Dolphin. Lilly’s work also inspired the science fiction film “Altered States,” about scientists who break through barriers. Among other interests, Lilly explored whether radio astronomy could be used to detect intelligent life beyond our solar system.
“John Lilly and the Earth Chance Management Room” premiered at the 2025 Rotterdam International Film Festival. The film was produced by Taylor Hess and Jesse Miller on behalf of Couples 3 Film, Almereyda and Stevens.
“We are thrilled to be working with Oscilloscope, which has a long history of supporting independent and adventurous filmmaking, making them the ideal partner to bring Lily’s strange and essential legacy to audiences,” Almereyda and Stevens said in a statement.
Almereyda’s credits include “Tesla,” “Marjorie Prime,” and “The Real World’s William Eggleston.” Stevens directed “Invention” and “Terra Femme.”
“We’re thrilled to be working with Michael and Courtney on this portrait of the eccentric and visionary John Lilly,” Aaron Katz, Oscilloscope Laboratories’ vice president of acquisitions, said in a statement. “The filmmakers fully embraced Lilly’s ethos as an avant-garde scientist and applied it to every aspect of documentary production. The result is a gorgeous, tactile, and whimsical study of Lilly’s life that will make you want to dabble in LSD again like you did when you were young, cool, and funny with stories.”
The film’s deal was negotiated by Katz, with Hess and Miller representing the filmmakers. Almereyda is represented by Bethany Haines of Haines City Sloss, Eckhaus and Dusty.
