Crazywise

Rethinking Madness: Psychosis and Spiritual Awakening

Crazy...or wise? Indigenous cultures address "mental illnesses" quite differently from western societies. Are symptoms a 'calling' to grow or just a 'broken brain'? The documentary CRAZYWISE explores what can be learned from people around the world 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, Phil 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.

Official Selection at the Seattle International Film Festival.

"Highly Recommended!" - Video Librarian