A Film by Xavier Rousset
A Trip to
Transformation
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 for treating illness.
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.
Following the success of How to Change Your Mind and Fantastic Fungi, this film is the next critical step forward.
With exclusive access to a world-first study and groundbreaking legal retreats in the Netherlands and the U.S., A Trip to Transformation is the first global exploration of how psychedelics can be used proactively to help people connect to purpose, themselves, and nature — ultimately having a larger impact on the mental health crisis.
WHY: We’re in a mental health crisis driven by disconnection.
HOW: Psychedelics offer reconnection — to self, others, and nature — yet access and science is limited.
WHAT: A cinematic documentary reframing psychedelics as essential tools for emotional and societal well-being—paired with a digital tool to turn that belief into action.
This film is step one in a chain reaction. Through powerful storytelling and a global-first digital platform, it will shift perception, fuel scientific research, expand safe access, and accelerate psychedelics as a tool for global well-being.
Shifting perspective from illness to well-being,
A Trip to Transformation reveals how psychedelics can foster connection and help more people.
Synopsis
Burnt out and disconnected, filmmaker Xavier Rousset takes a small, illegal dose of psilocybin while walking alone on the beach. It’s not wild or euphoric, but something shifts. For the first time in years, he feels present.
Determined to understand why, he begins a global journey into the science, history, and healing potential of psychedelic medicine.
Then, Australia suddenly becomes the first country in the world to legalise psychedelic therapy. But Xavier quickly discovers a harsh truth: The new system only treats the severely ill, costs up to $30,000, and leaves most people behind. The model is reactive—not preventative—and it’s failing too many.
Recognising the imperative to address mental health from a new angle, A Trip to Transformation undergoes a profound shift in perspective:
What if psychedelics could help us stay well?
Seeking answers, Xavier teams up with visionary psychiatrist Dr. Nigel Strauss, who believes psychedelics hold far greater potential in fostering well-being. Against the stunning backdrop of the Great Ocean Road, Nigel leads a world-first study giving psilocybin mushrooms not to the severely ill, but to healthy people—seeking clues to how psychedelics can proactively enhance wellness, prevent illness, and foster connection
The journey expands to legal retreat centres in Oregon, Colorado, and the Netherlands. Here, healing isn’t reserved for the unwell. It’s accessible, intentional, and breathtaking. Nature, ceremony, and community come together in spaces built to reconnect us—before it’s too late.
Quietly, a wave is building. Around the world, research is mounting. Veterans, doctors, and respected public figures are breaking the silence. The stories are everywhere. And they can no longer be ignored.
Aimed at a mainstream audience, A Trip to Transformation is a cinematic wake-up call. These tools have always been with us. Now, science helps us remember their power—to reconnect, to prevent, and to heal.
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, this film aims to spark a global conversation about redefining mental health and fostering a more connected world.
Xavier Rousset – Director
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.
Anna Marie Pitman – Producer
Anna Marie Pitman is an Emmy and Peabody-nominated producer with 16 years’ experience across NYC and LA. Her credits span high-impact documentaries and global hits, including feature documentaries; Andy Is Me, Kickback, and Supervillain, as well as the Peabody-nominated Warrior Women, which highlights Native American activism. She also produced Michelle Obama’s series Waffles + Mochi, earning two Emmy nominations. She now produces bold Australian stories with international reach.
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Damon Gameau — Executive Producer
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.
Jimmi James Wright — Story Consultant
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.
Dr Nigel Strauss — Lead Psychiatrist & Psychedelic Medicine Advisor
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.
Adrian Shapiro — Executive Producer
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.
Why now?
We are at a tipping point. Public interest towards psychedelics is exploding, but the conversation remains incomplete. Without mainstream awareness of their potential beyond treating illness, research will remain narrow and we risk overlooking a far greater opportunity to save more lives.
There is a critical window of opportunity to bring this idea to public awareness and unlock the full potential of psychedelics.
This documentary will reveal how psychedelics can be a powerful tool for deepening our connection to nature, each other, and ourselves—helping more people than ever before.
But we can’t do it without your support.
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.
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.
