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Join us this October 10th at 6:30 pm for a screening of the film, 'Crazywise'. This insightful and engaging documentary explores the varieties of indigenous interpretations of mental health crises.
What can we learn from those who have turned their psychological crisis into a positive transformative experience?
During a quarter-century documenting indigenous cultures, human-rights photographer and filmmaker Phil Borges often saw these cultures identify “psychotic” symptoms as an indicator of shamanic potential. He was intrigued by how differently psychosis is defined and treated in the West.
Through interviews with renowned mental health professionals including Gabor Mate, MD, Robert Whitaker, and Roshi Joan Halifax, PhD, Borges explores the growing severity of the mental health crisis in America dominated by biomedical psychiatry. He discovers a growing movement of professionals and psychiatric survivors who demand alternative treatments that focus on recovery, nurturing social connections, and finding meaning.
CRAZYWISE follows two young Americans diagnosed with “mental illness.” Adam, 27, suffers devastating side effects from medications before embracing meditation in hopes of recovery. Ekhaya, 32, survives childhood molestation and several suicide attempts before spiritual training to become a traditional South African healer gives her suffering meaning and brings a deeper purpose to her life.
CRAZYWISE doesn’t aim to over-romanticize indigenous wisdom, or completely condemn Western treatment. Not every indigenous person who has a crisis becomes a shaman. And many individuals benefit from Western medications.
However, indigenous peoples’ acceptance of non-ordinary states of consciousness, along with rituals and metaphors that form deep connections to nature, to each other, and to ancestors, is something we can learn from.
CRAZYWISE adds a voice to the growing conversation that believes a psychological crisis can be an opportunity for growth and potentially transformational, not a disease with no cure.
Event Timeline:
6:30 PM – 7:00 PM: Doors Open & Welcome
Fresh popcorn provided.
Brief introduction to the film and the event format.
7:00 PM – 8:25 PM: Crazywise Screening (82-minute runtime)
The film begins promptly at 7:00 PM.
8:25 PM – 8:30 PM: Short Break
8:30 PM – 9:15 PM: Moderated group discussion about the film’s key themes (mental health, indigenous wisdom, alternative approaches to mental illness).
The floor will be open to share thoughts, ask questions, or reflect on their personal experiences related to the film.
📅 Date: Thursday, October 10, 2024
🕕 Time: 6:30 PM (Doors open)
📍 Location: Psanctum Thrift, 4033 SE Milwaukie Ave, Portland, OR 97202
💵 Cost: $5-$10 suggested donation at the door (No one turned away)
Please reach out at [email protected] with any questions.
See you on 10/10!
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
4033 SE Milwaukie Ave Unit A, Portland, OR, United States, Oregon 97202
