**** “A hopeful film that, ironically, made me feel rather sad” – i
**** The Daily Mail & Mail on Sunday
**** The Telegraph
**** The Times
“graphics that seemed to be lifted from a Pink Floyd music video.” – Daily Mail
The film follows a pioneering team of scientists and therapists, led by Professor David Nutt, Dr Robin Carhart-Harris and Dr Rosalind Watts, as they compare the effects of psilocybin (the active ingredient of magic mushrooms) with an antidepressant, on a group of participants with clinical depression. This is scientific research at its most cutting edge. With 7.3 million people being prescribed antidepressants in England alone, this drug trial has the potential to revolutionise the lives of millions.
Filmed over 16 months, with access to every stage of the study, this film explores both the immediate and long-term impacts of the trial on the lives of participants. It investigates whether psychedelic drugs could help tackle one of the biggest medical challenges we face, and what it takes to conduct research in uncharted scientific territory.
Jack Bootle, Head of Commissioning, Science and Natural History, says: “I’ve long suspected that psychedelic drugs – if used safely and correctly – have the potential to transform mental health, so I’m fascinated to see how this trial unfolds.
“As rates of depression continue to rise, it’s vital that we find effective ways to treat this debilitating condition – even if that means using substances which people may consider taboo.”
Director: Sam Eastall
Producer: Alice Martineau
Editor: Zoe Davis
Assistant Editor: Alex Spence
Production Coordinator: Olivia Ballard
Line Producers: Caroline Willis, Caroline Lai
Edit Producer: Sabine Pusch
Exec Producer: Anna Murphy
