Experiencing Interruptions?

Calling All Earthlings

1947: George Van Tassel, an aircraft inspector for Howard Hughes, suddenly quits his job, moving deep into the Mojave Desert. One night, he claims to meet extraterrestrials who give him the information to build a rejuvenation machine, “The Integratron.” Is he crazy or could electro-magnetic Integratron actually work? People flock to the desert to join in what quickly becomes an alien-guided, peace-loving, revolutionary movement. Told by residents of the Joshua Tree area as well as historians, scientists and musicians (Eric Burdon), Calling All Earthlings is the empathetic story of an original, otherworldly do-it-yourself counterculture.

  • Jonathan Berman
    Director
    Commune, My Friend Paul, The Shvitz
  • Iain Kennedy
    Editor
    Z Channel, A Magnificent Obsession, Shout Gladi Gladi, Palace of Silents,
  • see imdb for full credit list
    Writer
  • Alan Steinfeld, Executive Producer
    Producer
  • Jonathan Berman
    Producer
  • Danny Kuchuck, Associate Producer
    Producer
  • Iain Kennedy, Associate Producer
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 16 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    August 1, 2018
  • Production Budget:
    187,299 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital.Sources video, 35mm,16mm
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Black & White and Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Maui Film Festival (US)
    Maui, Hawaii
    United States
    June 13, 2018
    Official Selection
  • Illuminate Film Festival (US Premiere)
    Sedona, AZ
    United States
    June 2, 2018
    World Premiere
    Special Jury Award
  • Trieste Science+Fiction Film Festival (Euro Premiere)
    Trieste
    Italy
    November 1, 2018
    European Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Laemmle Theaters (US Theatrical)
    Los Angeles
    United States
    June 29, 2018
    Theatrical Screenings US
    Arya (week), Monica, Noho, and Pasadena Playhouse Screenings in L.A.
Distribution Information
  • Freestyle Digital Media
    Country: United States
    Rights: Internet, Video on Demand, Pay Per View, Hotel, Airline, Ship, Video / Disc, Free TV, Paid TV, Console / Handheld Device
  • Carpe Stella Productions
    Country: Worldwide
    Rights: All Rights
Director Biography - Jonathan Berman

Making films that explore subculture and identity, challenging and redefining how alternative people, groups and ideas are represented. Began in 1980’s Manhattan as an assistant editor on genre projects for Troma and on feature fictions and documentaries. First film, "The Shvitz", is a NEA supported, Docurama released film about traditional New York steambaths. My Friend Paul, made with CPB/ITVS, focused upon bipolar illness and friendship. Commune (First Run Features/Netflix) reexamined Sixties counterculture and communal living.

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Director Statement

Oscar Wilde said: "we are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars." I can relate: I've always felt connected to earthly pleasures and the spiritual realm.

I was wandering through Los Angeles on foot (!) and came across a "New Age" bookstore, where I saw a photo of this gothic planetarium dome. The building had a sign perched on it -- "For Basic Experimentation Into Life Extension." I felt like Richard Dreyfus in Close Encounters -- I was obsessed -- by The Integratron -- and had to go there.

Was George Van Tassel a genius? A medium for new truths? A revolutionary leader? Or a con artist? I waver in defining his presence in absolutes. These are the stories I gravitate towards, ones that ask questions after the last frame disappears.

Calling All Earthlings continues my explorations of "third spaces," gathering places that are not home or work. These are the true power points in understanding a society and inspiring alternatives. The basic precepts of The Integratron challenge and transgress our core assumptions: what is real?

I believe almost anything is possible, including outer space visitors. Yesterday's science fiction wormhole is today's cheap appliance. I'm looking forward to the next New Age, when time travel is as old as a dusty calculator. Somehow, I'm confident that, even then, mankind will still be searching for the Next New Thing.