The Sedona International Film Festival is partnering with the Mental Health Coalition Verde Valley to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “Crazywise,” showing Monday, Aug. 28. There will be one show at 7 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre, followed by a community discussion.
Crazy … or wise? The traditional wisdom of indigenous cultures often contradicts modern views about a mental health crisis. Is it 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.
Human-rights photographer Phil Borges witnessed how indigenous cultures around the world often identify “psychotic” symptoms as indicators of shamanic potential. Back in the U.S., Borges follows two young Americans diagnosed with mental illness.
Adam, 27, suffers devastating side effects from medications before embracing meditation. Ekhaya, 32, survives several suicide attempts before spiritual training to become a traditional South African healer.
“Crazywise” introduces mental health professionals and psychiatric survivors who see a psychological crisis as a potential growth experience, not a disease.
What if a psychological crisis was seen as having the potential to be a positive transformative experience, instead of a “broken brain”?
“Crazywise” will show at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre on Monday, Aug. 28, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 or $9 for Film Festival members. Call 282-1177 for tickets and more information. Both the theater and film festival office are at 2030 W. State Route 89A in West Sedona. Visit SedonaFilmFestival.org for more information.
