Photo: Carl Stevens
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — The Harvard Film Archive debuted its “Psychedelic Film Series” earlier this month. It explores the effects of psychedelics on society.
Films include everything from indie flicks to blockbusters like “2001: A Space Odyssey,” and even children’s movies like 1951’s “Alice in Wonderland.”
The series is part of the new “Study of Psychedelics in Society and Culture” initiative, helped along by a $16 million grant.
“Harvard has launched an initiative to study psychedelics and psychedelic culture from several different perspectives,” said professor Michael Pollan.
Pollan is a best-selling author and is part of the initiative, which examines the latest research on the use of psychedelics.
“There is some preliminary evidence suggesting that things like psilocybin, which is magic mushrooms, and MDMA, or ecstasy, can be very helpful … In a world where we’re dealing with a serious mental health crisis, and the treatments we have are just completely inadequate,” Pollan said.
The film series is supposed to encourage people to think about psychedelics in a more positive way. It runs until November 7.
WBZ’s Carl Stevens (@CarlWBZ) reports.
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