DESCENDING THE MOUNTAIN
AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE
Directed by Maartje Nevejan
The Netherlands | 2021 | 78 mins
Unclassified M | Tues 17 Jan 2023 | 7:30pm
What happens when you administer psilocybin to experienced zen meditators? A neuroscientist and a zen master carry out a ground-breaking double-blind experiment on a majestic mountain in Switzerland.
Under the supervision of psychiatrist Franz Vollenweider and Zen master Vanja Palmers a group of Zen meditators – who have never used any psychedelic substances before – are given psilocybin on the last day of a 5-day retreat. Half the group receives a placebo.
Their goal: to examine the nature of consciousness through meditation and psilocybin. Can psilocybin create a revolution in improving mental health and strengthen our connection with our environment?

“A very special documentary that shows how
we can connect not with nature,
but as nature, to the rest of nature.”
Parool
“Impressive and intellectually and
spiritually tantalizing.”
NRC
Screening at A&I Hall, 3 Station Street Bangalow