In a world saturated with stimuli, the act of watching a film can offer a rare space for contemplation. That’s the core idea behind “Psychedelia & Cinema,” a modern film series at the University of California, Berkeley, exploring the surprising intersection of moving images and altered states of consciousness. The series, a collaboration between the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) and the UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics, isn’t about films *about* psychedelics, but rather films that, through their formal qualities, can induce a shift in perception akin to a psychedelic experience.
The series, running through May 10, stems from a growing interest in the potential of non-pharmacological ways to access altered states, and a re-evaluation of the power of cinema itself. Kate MacKay, a film curator at BAMPFA, explains that the project began with a simple question: “What if the physical properties of film – its flicker, its color, its rhythm – could actually change how we perceive reality?” MacKay, who has championed experimental cinema for over a decade, believes the answer is a resounding yes. The series aims to redefine the “cinematic trip” not as a narrative experience, but as a powerful tool for self-discovery and liberation.
Beyond Narrative: The Formal Qualities of Cinematic Experience
“Psychedelia & Cinema” deliberately moves beyond films that simply depict psychedelic experiences. Instead, it focuses on works that utilize techniques – repetitive imagery, intense color palettes, disorienting editing, and immersive sound design – to directly affect the viewer’s state of mind. The selection spans decades and continents, showcasing a diverse range of experimental filmmakers. According to BAMPFA’s series description, the films were chosen for their ability to “disrupt habitual modes of perception” and “open up new possibilities for feeling and knowing.”
The program includes works by filmmakers like Stan Brakhage, whose films are known for their direct painting on celluloid and intensely personal imagery, and Ben Rivers, whose work often explores the boundaries between documentary and experimental film. A screening of Brakhage’s Dog Star Man, a landmark of American avant-garde cinema, is a key event in the series. The film’s fragmented narrative and visceral imagery are designed to bypass conscious thought and tap into more primal levels of perception. BAMPFA’s website provides a full schedule and details on each screening.
The Science Behind the Screen
The collaboration with the UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics adds a unique dimension to the series. The Center, established in 2020, is dedicated to researching the therapeutic potential of psychedelics and understanding the underlying mechanisms of altered states of consciousness. Dr. Stephen Haggarty, a leading researcher at the Center, has been involved in discussions surrounding the series, offering insights into how specific cinematic techniques might correlate with neurological processes associated with psychedelic experiences.
Whereas the series doesn’t explicitly claim that watching these films will replicate a psychedelic experience, it suggests that they can activate similar neural pathways and create a sense of altered perception. Researchers at the Center have pointed to the role of pattern recognition and predictive coding in both psychedelic states and the experience of watching experimental film. When confronted with unexpected or disorienting imagery, the brain attempts to make sense of it, leading to a heightened state of awareness and a breakdown of habitual thought patterns.
A Resurgence of Interest in Altered States
The timing of “Psychedelia & Cinema” coincides with a broader cultural shift in attitudes towards psychedelics. After decades of prohibition, there’s a growing body of research suggesting that substances like psilocybin and MDMA may have therapeutic benefits for conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Cities like Oakland, California, have even decriminalized the possession of certain psychedelic plants. This renewed interest in the potential of altered states has fueled a corresponding interest in exploring alternative pathways to those states, including through art and sensory experiences.
MacKay notes that the series isn’t necessarily about advocating for the use of psychedelics, but rather about recognizing the inherent power of cinema to transform our perception. “We’re not saying that watching these films is a substitute for other experiences,” she says. “But we are saying that cinema can be a powerful tool for expanding our consciousness and challenging our assumptions about reality.” The series invites viewers to engage with film in a new way – not just as a source of entertainment, but as a potential catalyst for personal transformation.
The series runs through May 10 at BAMPFA. Tickets and a full schedule of screenings are available on the BAMPFA website. The UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics continues its research into the therapeutic potential of altered states, with upcoming studies planned on the effects of psychedelic-assisted therapy for various mental health conditions. The next public event hosted by the Center is a lecture on the neurobiology of mindfulness, scheduled for May 22nd.
This exploration of cinema and consciousness offers a unique opportunity to consider the power of art to shape our perceptions and expand our understanding of the human mind. We encourage readers to share their thoughts on the intersection of film, psychedelics, and altered states in the comments below.
