The Little will screen Crazywise (Phil Borges, Kevin Tomlinson, U.S. / Russia / Ecuador / Mongolia 2016, 82 min.) followed by a discussion with filmmaker Phil Borges.

Crazy…or wise? The traditional wisdom of indigenous cultures often contradicts modern views about a mental health crisis. Is it a 'calling' to grow or just a 'broken brain'? The documentary Crazywise explores what can be learned from people around the world who have turned their psychological crisis into a positive transformative experience. During a quarter-century documenting indigenous cultures, human-rights photographer and filmmaker Phil Borges often saw these cultures identify "psychotic" symptoms as an indicator of shamanic potential. Crazywise doesn't aim to over-romanticize indigenous wisdom, or completely condemn Western treatment. Not enery indigenous person who has a crisis becomes a shaman. And many individuals benefit from Western medications. What can we learn from those who have turned their psychological crisis into a positive transformative experience?

[source: Little Theatre e-mail, 2017-Aug-17]