The Zen of Alan & Elda: The Films of Alan Watts & Elda Hartley

One of the first to bring Eastern spiritual philosophy to a Western audience, Alan Watts stands as one of the most charismatic and influential philosophical minds of the 20th Century. With his signature wit, humor, and knack for communicating vast, complex concepts in accessible and understandable ways, Watts left behind a legacy that only continues to grow in its reach and popularity today. Coming to prominence just as the Western landscape began to blossom with beatniks, flower children, and hippies, Watts’ magnetic writing and lectures turned on a generation to Zen Buddhism, Taoism, and Hindu philosophy. It was in the mid-1960s, while the spirit of consciousness expansion and exuberant creativity was at its peak, that Watts met and befriended filmmaker Elda Hartley.

After a career as an actress of the stage and screen in the 1930s, Hartley was embarking (alongside her producer husband Irving) on what would be a lengthy career as a renowned filmmaker specifically dedicated to promoting a broader understanding of world spiritualities and religions. Together, Watts and Hartley conceived of a series of experimental art films – ostensibly “head films” that could play both the arthouse and college circuits and expose audiences (who might not otherwise hear Watts’ lectures) to the paradigm shifting philosophies of Buddhism. Filmed between the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, what resulted were five meditative and striking short films that, accompanied by Watts’ transfixing narration, evoke the tranquility of nature and the very spirit of Zen.

Not screened theatrically in decades (except at The Philosophical Research Society in 2024!), this special evening offers an incredibly rare chance to immerse yourself in these beautiful, meditative short films and soak in the wisdom of Watts on the big screen.

And, as a bonus to Hartley’s films, we’ll be screening a rare 16mm print of Meditation: Yoga, Tai chi, and Other Spiritual Trips (1973) – a survey of burgeoning spiritual practices in the counterculture, featuring an interview with Alan Watts on his Sausalito houseboat as well as excerpts from Henry Jacobs' legendary Bay Area experimental TV program The Fine Art of Goofing Off (1971-1972), featuring far-out animated musings by Watts!

Evening’s program includes:

The Mood of Zen (1967)

Buddhism, Man and Nature (1968)

Flow of Zen (1969)

Zen and Now (1969)

Art of Meditation (1971)

Meditation: Yoga, Tai chi, and Other Spiritual Trips (1973)

PLEASE NOTE: This program contains hard to find films that have never been released on DVD or Blu-Ray. As a result, image quality of the shorts may vary. We have made every effort to secure the highest resolution versions available.

Special thanks to Mark Watts of The Alan Watts Organization and Sarah Masters of Auburn Seminary

Please email [email protected] or phone 323-663-2167 with any questions.

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Host or Publisher The Philosophical Research Society