About: Bill W.: Conscious Contact Film
Bill W.: Conscious Contact provides a new and intimate view of Bill Wilson, the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous and considered one of the great healers of the 20th century according to Time. Only the second documentary ever produced about the co-founder of a worldwide movement with over 2 million members, the film focuses on Wilson as a spiritual seeker and explores a surprising spiritual exploration he embarked upon in final years of his life. The documentary includes an in-depth interview with Lincoln Norton, the man who taught Bill Wilson Transcendental Meditation: An Eastern practice associated at the time with the Beatles and other countercultural figures of the late 1960s.
The fondest wish is that those affected by alcoholism will be encouraged by this film. Our desire is to make this available for screenings at conventions and round-ups with no screening fees for those events encouraging recovery. We wish to be helpful to everyone carrying the 12-step message to alcoholics and their families.
Bill W.: Conscious Contact is only the second film ever made about the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, offering a rare glimpse into his spiritual path.
The documentary explores Bill Wilson’s heretofore unknown spiritual explorations during the final year of his life, including his practice of mantra meditation. This compelling portrait reveals new dimensions of the man whose work has transformed millions of lives worldwide.
A joint film venture with the Stepping Stones Foundation, the 60-minute documentary film presents rare archival photographs and correspondence – highlights from the 100,000 unique treasures in the Stepping Stones Archive and Online Archive. It invites the audience “into” the Bill and Lois Wilsons’ home and Bill’s writing studio, nicknamed “Wits End”. This film provides an unparalleled view into Stepping Stones – their New York home and a vast repository of personal material they left for you to explore, get to know them, and learn about the roots of 12-Step recovery.
Directed by Kevin Hanlon and produced by Jay Stinnett.
Special Post-Screening Conversation
with Sally Corbett-Turco, William Schaberg, Kevin Hanlon, and Jay Stinnett
Following the exclusive virtual Stepping Stones sneak preview screening for donors and volunteers, the participants engage in an in-depth conversation about the project. Enjoy this lively exchange and anecdotes surrounding the film.
As a beta tester for the Stepping Stones Online Archive of the National Historic Landmark home of the Wilsons in New York, Stinnett has had “the privilege of knowing the coffee shop Bill Wilson as opposed to the podium Bill.” Jay’s research into Wilson’s personal correspondence provides him with a fresh perspective on Bill Wilson’s spiritual journey.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness this important documentary and engage with leading experts on Bill W.
Join us for the historic European Premiere event at Recovery Reimagined 2025
Trinity College Dublin | May 24th 2025, 3:30pm-5:00pm
Why anyone interested in alcoholism should watch this:
- It is the second biographical film about Bill Wilson, who was named one of the 20th century's ten greatest healers. Time Magazine 1999.
- Examination of Wilson’s white light experience.
- Discovery of Bill W. practicing Transcendental Meditation.
- Groundbreaking interview with Lincoln Norton, the man who taught Bill Wilson Transcendental Meditation.
- Lois's recollection of her and Bill’s morning practice.
- Wilson changing the 3rd Step Prayer from the Big Book in As Bill Sees It.
- Beautifully shot at Bill and Lois Wilson’s home and studio, “Stepping Stones” in Katonah, NY.
- Features rare photos and documents from the Stepping Stones archive.
- Conversation with William Schaberg, best selling author of “Writing the Big Book”.
- Bill Wilson’s report that he didn’t write the 11th Step, it came as an inspiration.
