A Film by Xavier Rousset
A Trip to
Transformation
Developed with support from Screen Australia
If psychedelics can heal, why wait until we’re broken?
A global documentary to uncover how psilocybin can be used proactively to improve wellness and human connection — not just to treat illness.
Following the success of How to Change Your Mind and Fantastic Fungi, this film is the next critical step forward.
Sparked global curiosity about mushrooms.
Destigmatized psychedelics as medical treatments.
Reframes psychedelics as tools for well-being.
WHY: We’re facing a global mental health crisis driven by disconnection.
HOW: Used with care, psychedelics offer powerful potential for reconnection and well-being — yet access remains narrow and misunderstood.
WHAT: A cinematic journey across the globe, uncovering the science and stories that reveal psychedelics as tools for connection and prevention.
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This film is step one in a chain reaction to spark public understanding, fuel science and policy momentum. This impact will be amplified by a global digital platform.
Why now?
We are at a tipping point. Despite more treatments and more awareness than ever before — rates of depression, anxiety, and burnout continue to rise. Suicide is now the second leading cause of death for Americans aged 10 to 34. Nearly 1 in 7 adults are on antidepressants. The system isn’t working.
Public interest in psychedelic medicine is exploding, but the conversation remains incomplete. Without broader awareness of their potential beyond treating illness, we risk locking these tools into the same reactive model that’s already failing millions.
This film is urgent. It doesn’t ask how to fix broken people, but it asks what helps us stay well in the first place.
A global search for equitable access
We’re the first film to document real-world models of legal, safe psychedelic use across the world—focused on staying well, not just treating illness.
Oregon, USA — The first jurisdiction in the world to legalize adult-use psilocybin outside of a medical model, shaping the global standard.
Mexico — In the mountains of Oaxaca, the Mazatec people have guided psilocybin ceremonies for decades. They are the traditional knowledge holders.
Australia — The first country in the world to officially recognize psychedelics as medicines. 12+ frontline interviews, plus a world-first psilocybin study with Dr Strauss.
The Change We’re Creating
Documentaries have changed laws, industries, and hearts — and they continue to do so.
Led to widespread public outcry and policy change at SeaWorld, including the end of their orca breeding programme and theatrical orca shows.
Prompted fast food chains to alter their menus, introduce healthier options, and end the “super size” promotion.
Helped destigmatize psychedelics and contributed to a growing movement influencing psychedelic assisted therapy research and policy reform.
Put climate change on the global political agenda and influenced the development of international climate policies like the Paris Agreement.
Our support
From two years in development, we’ve carefully secured worldwide access with credible partners for a science-backed investigation into the future of mental health care.
Supported by Australian Government's Screen Australia
Highly competitive federal government funding.
Fiscal sponsorship from Documentary Australia
Reserved for films with proven social impact to provide charity status.
Executive Producers
Damon Gameau (That Sugar Film, 2040 — two of the top three highest-grossing Australian documentaries) + Adrian Shapiro (Cannes Grand Prix winner)
Global Access Secured
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Mazatec community (Mexico)
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Odyssey (U.S.)
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Rejuvyn (Netherlands)
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Paul Stamets
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IPAT (Indigenous Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies)
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Oregon Psychedelic Institute
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Heroic Hearts Project (discussions to document November retreat)
Partners
Xavier Rousset – Director
Xavier is an Australian filmmaker with over a decade of experience behind the camera. Diagnosed with depression and anxiety from a young age, Xavier spent years trying everything until a quiet psilocybin experience sparked a shift. That moment became the emotional engine of A Trip to Transformation.
Over the past two years, Xavier has led one of the most comprehensive investigations into psychedelic access worldwide — earning the trust of psychiatrists, scientists, philosophers, Indigenous elders, and patients across four countries. His journey reflects what millions are quietly asking: how do we feel connected again?
In a space that’s often polarising, Xavier brings rare balance. He’s not an advocate or a clinician, but a grounded guide ready to tell a story that resonates with those who are simply trying to feel better, more connected, and make sense of the world we’re living in.
Public interest is exploding—but the true potential of psychedelics is still out of reach.
A Team Committed to Impact
A Trip to Transformation is an impact-driven documentary that brings an urgent, mainstream narrative to the forefront—reframing psychedelics as tools for connection, growth, and proactive mental well-being.
Backed by a team with a shared vision to make these ideas accessible, responsible, and rooted in science.
Xavier Rousset – Director​
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Xavier is a filmmaker of 10 years and the director of A Trip to Transformation. For the past 2 years, he has undertaken one of the most comprehensive explorations into psychedelic medicine—speaking with high-profile psychiatrists, scientists, philosophers, pharmaceutical companies, and patients. He has gained unparalleled access to key figures, world-first studies, and exclusive stories to uncover the larger opportunity for psychedelics to reshape mental health.
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Damon Gameau — Executive Producer​​
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Damon Gameau is the acclaimed director behind That Sugar Film, which influenced global health policies and became Australia's highest-grossing documentary of all time. His next film, 2040—a hopeful vision for the environment—became a global movement, reaching 10 million viewers and 1.5 million students. His latest film, Future Council, is set for a global cinematic release this year.
Dr Nigel Strauss — Lead Psychiatrist & Psychedelic Medicine Advisor
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Dr. Nigel Strauss, FRANZCP, is a pioneering psychiatrist and psychedelic therapist with over 45 years of experience. He has been instrumental in integrating psychedelic medicines into clinical psychiatric practice in Australia. Notably, Dr. Strauss served as a psychedelic psychotherapist in Australia’s first psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy trial for end-of-life anxiety and depression, as well as in the inaugural trial for treatment-resistant depression.
Jimmi James Wright — Story Consultant​
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Co-writer of Future Council, Jimmi brings a depth of experience in ethical storytelling, Indigenous-informed design, and cultural intelligence to help shape the film’s narrative arc and impact strategy. With over 15 years of experience spanning film, Indigenous governance, and communications strategy, he brings a unique depth to A Trip to Transformation, helping shape its narrative arc and societal impact.
Adrian Shapiro — Executive Producer​​
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Adrian Shapiro is the Co-Founder of Scoundrel. He is an internationally acclaimed film and activation producer with over 20 years experience. Shapiro’s work has been recognised globally including a Titanium and Grand Prix at Cannes, numerous Gold Lions, a Grand Clio, Gold Spikes, Grand Prix at Axis, Grand Prix at CICLOPE Asia, as well as numerous awards at other festivals globally.
Support the Film.
At a time when we need it most, psychedelics have the power to transform human connection—yet access remains severely limited. A single film can reach millions, shift public perception, drive research, and influence policy.
A Trip to Transformation is that film.
Just like the psychedelic renaissance itself, this documentary started from the grassroots. After two years of dedicated work, your support will ensure this urgent story continues to be told. Every donation fuels the movement.​​​​​
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Donations are tax-deductible in both Australia and the U.S. through our 501(c)(3) sponsor.
We acknowledge the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land upon which we are situated. I pay my respects to their Elders past and present and recognise their enduring connection to this land.
