Chrysalis

Short film

Director

Inspired after reading "How To Change Your Mind" by Michael Pollan, I wanted to make a film that dealt with the topic of psychedelic trauma therapy. Over the last century, numerous studies and trials have taken place across the globe proving how successful psychedelic drugs can be when used with professional guidance and medical support. However, trials and services such as these are few and far between, which begs the question, 'What happens when we decide to take matters into our own hands?'

Lydia is a bright young artist, suffering from severe depression and grief after the death of her twin sister, May. But when her parents leave for a weekend trip, Lydia decides to go on a trip of her own... Her friend Dallas reiterates the potential hazards, but Lydia believes this is the only way she can gain closure and move on. She takes a tab of LSD, and her trip descends into a rabbit hole of suppressed memories, confronting her past and repressed guilt all while being chased by a humanoid creature known as The Butterfly. Lydia is faced with an answer to her struggles, but will it be at the cost of her life?

Psychedelic therapy has provided solutions for mental health disorders and PTSD. However, there is little accessibility to this therapy despite being proven effective. My goal through Chrysalis is to allow audiences to empathise with these characters and start conversations around psychedelic therapy so that larger advocacy can occur for its research.

Set to be released in 2024.