A Film by Xavier Rousset
A Trip to
Transformation
After Australia’s world-first decision to legalise psychedelic medicine,
A Trip to Transformation cuts through the hype to ask an urgent question:
Are psychedelics just a treatment for the sick, or are we missing a far greater opportunity to transform well-being and human connection?
If psychedelics can heal, why wait until we’re broken?
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 on healthy participants, and access to 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 enhance well-being and human connection.
Shifting perspective from illness to well-being,
A Trip to Transformation reveals how psychedelics can foster connection and help more people.
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.
Synopsis
In July 2023, Australia made history as the first country in the world to legalise psychedelic medicine.
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Convinced of their potential, filmmaker Xavier Rousset embarks on a global journey to uncover the true impact of these treatments.
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But he discovers a harsh truth: The narrow focus on severe mental illness—combined with sky-high treatment costs—means these therapies will have a limited impact on the crisis at hand.
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Recognising the imperative to address mental health from a new angle, A Trip to Transformation undergoes a profound shift in perspective.
Beyond treating illness, could psychedelics hold the key to a healthier, more connected world?​​​
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.
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These findings urge us to rethink how psychedelics can be more effectively integrated into society and healthcare, before it’s too late.
The journey expands internationally. In a rare, in-depth look at legal psychedelic retreats across the U.S. and the Netherlands, Xavier uncovers how these groundbreaking models—inspired by Indigenous wisdom and told through deeply personal stories—are expanding access to transformation, connection, and well-being.​
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As the film unfolds, Xavier’s mother—a former health and drug educator—starts to question her long-held beliefs as she witnesses her son’s transformation and hears powerful stories of people finding meaning and connection.
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With the mental health crisis escalating and traditional care failing, A Trip to Transformation is a journey of hope and discovery; Could psychedelics reconnect society, at a time when we need it the most?
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​
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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.
Anna Marie Pitman – Producer​
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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​​
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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.
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.
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.
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Australia's Psychedelic Medicine Community (above stills from early-stage filming)​
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All eyes are on Australia since they became the first country in the world to legalise psychedelic medicine. Xavier has spent the last 18 months building relationships with leading psychiatrists, scientists, philosophers, researchers, therapists, insurance funds, and pharmaceutical companies. This access provides a long-overdue, multidisciplinary perspective on the rollout of psychedelic medicine ​via conversations with leaders across all sectors.
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.
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.
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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.​​​​​
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Donations are tax-deductible in both Australia and the U.S. through our 501(c)(3) sponsor.
