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 Trip to Transformation is 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.
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.
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Supported by Australian Government's Screen Australia
High-competitive federal government funding awarded culturally significant stories.
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Fiscal sponsorship from Documentary Australia
501(c)(3) charity status for films with proven social impact.
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Award Winning Team
Including Justin Benoliel (Object & Animal, Daughters) and Damon Gameau (That Sugar Film, 2040 — two of the top three highest-grossing Australian documentaries)
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Global Access Secured
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Mazatec community (Mexico) with Producers studio.xyz
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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
Developed with support from Screen Australia
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 limited and often misunderstood.
WHAT: A cinematic journey across the globe, uncovering the science and stories that reveal psychedelics as tools for connection and well-being.
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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.
A global search for equitable access
We’re the first film to document real-world models of legal, safe psychedelic access across the world—focused on staying well, not just treating illness.
Oregon, USA — The first jurisdiction to legalize adult-use psilocybin outside of a medical model, shaping new global standards.
Oaxaca, Mexico —In the sacred mountains of the Sierra Mazateca, the Mazatec people have safeguarded psilocybin rituals for generations.
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.
A Team Committed to Impact
A Trip to Transformation is driven by an award-winning team with a vision to bring science, understanding, and accessibility to these tools for the well-being of society.
Justin Benoliel
PRODUCER​
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Co-founder of global production company Object & Animal. Peabody winner; BAFTA, Grammy, & Emmy nominated. Producer of Daughters (2024) — winner at Cannes and Sundance audience award for US documentary and festival favorite — and Kiss My Grass (2025), a Tribeca world premiere that amplifies the stories of Black women confronting systemic injustice in the cannabis industry.
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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.
Hannah Bellil (she/her)
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER​​
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British-Tunisian award-winning Executive Producer, co-founder of studio.xyz, and certified behavioural health coach. Hannah has led global departments and campaigns for brands and artists including Louis Vuitton, Google, and Nike (formerly Stink Films, Art Partner). Her work has earned top accolades such as Gold British Arrow, Ciclope, and Ad Age Production Company of the Year. A long-standing advocate for equity and systemic change within industry and beyond, Hannah also holds an advisory role with the NSPCC, shaping policy and cultural influence.
Adrian Shapiro
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER​​
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Adrian Shapiro is the co-founder of Scoundrel. 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, and awards at festivals globally.
Chloe Anix Perisson (they/them)
CREATIVE & CULTURAL PRODUCER​
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Creative pioneer at the intersections of design, culture, sciences, consciousness and wellbeing. Chloe is a mixed heritage interdisciplinary practitioner and innovator, new systems cultural architect, longevity complex trauma hacker, studio.xyz co-founder, Hyper Island educator, psychospiritual behavioural health coach and writer. They bring a deep understanding of the human experience and contemporary culture. In 2025, Chloe initiated into Mazatec shamanic traditions in Huautla de Jiménez, gaining unique access for cross-cultural dialogue.
Dr Nigel Strauss
LEAD PSYCHIATRIST & PSYCHEDELIC MEDICINE ADVISOR
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Dr. Nigel Strauss, FRANZCP, is a pioneering psychiatrist of 45 years. As a psychedelic therapist, he's 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, and the inaugural trial for treatment-resistant depression.
Michael Balson
EDITING CONSULTANT​
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Five decades of landmark documentaries earning AFI, Logie, and U.S. ACE awards, plus major international festival prizes. He has edited for Discovery Channel, National Geographic, ABC, and SBS, with credits including Everest: Sea to Summit (Grand Prix at Trento, Telluride, JIFAS), The Trail of Genghis Khan, Ocean to Sky, and The Great White Whale. In 2025, he co-edited The Road to Patagonia – the highest grossing Australian documentary of the year.
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.
Tatiana Sada
MAZATEC CULTURAL LIAISON & LOCAL PRODUCER (MEXICO)​​
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Tatiana is a line producer, location scout and fixer from Mexico City residing in Oaxaca for the past 5 years. From mini series to documentary films, she has collaborated with production companies such as Wildstar Films for National Geographic and BBC, Pimienta Films and more. She loves working on art and culture projects.
Zach Halpern
LOCAL PRODUCER (USA)​
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After graduating from medical school, Dr. Halpern left traditional medicine to champion the legitimacy of psychedelic science. As founder of the Oregon Psychedelic Institute, Zach brings medical insight, scientific rigor, and passion for storytelling to a global audience. Zach’s passion for science, mental health, education, and psychedelic therapy is the culmination of his academic and professional journey, including his studies and research at UCLA and medical training at St. George’s University of Medicine.
Michael McCarron
PRODUCTION SOUND MIXER​
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Michael McCarron is a skilled camera operator, editor, and Young Technologist Scholarship recipient. With experience in both small businesses and international companies, he excels at crafting compelling narratives that resonate with audiences. His lifelong passion for visual storytelling, sparked by childhood fascination with cameras, drives him to uncover genuine emotions in every project.
Xavier Rousset – Director
Xavier is an Australian filmmaker and educator making his debut feature documentary after a decade of professional filmmaking. 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?
Xavier is not an advocate or a clinician, but a traveller on a journey that resonates with those trying to stay well in the modern world.
Ryan Andrew Lee – Director of Photography
Equipped with an Arri Alexa Mini LF, Ryan is a Sydney-based cinematographer and artist working across high-end documentary and long-form narrative. His credits span productions for Netflix (Animal, Our Living World), Blackfella Films (Total Control, Filthy Rich and Homeless), ABC (River), and SBS, alongside award-winning shorts and features screened globally. A Cinematographer Member of the Australian Cinematographers Society, Ryan has extensive experience filming in Indigenous communities, combining vérité storytelling with cinematic ambition.
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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.
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.
Support the Film
Psychedelics have the power to restore human connection, but access is still severely restricted.
One film has the potential to change public perception, fuel research, and catalyse policy reform. With your support, we can ensure this story reaches the audiences it deserves.
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So far, we've raised $17,114 AUD from individual 160 donations. ​
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Donations are tax-deductible in the U.S. and Australia thanks to our 501(c)(3) sponsor.
Contact
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.
