Join us for an insightful conversation with award-winning artist and filmmaker Maxi Cohen as she unveils the profound impact ayahuasca has had on her creative journey. Hear firsthand how this sacred medicine has transformed her life and fueled her passion for storytelling through the medium of film. Explore the inspiration behind her captivating films about ayahuasca (including the groundbreaking documentary From Shock to Awe, Ayahuasca Diaries and The Holy Give Me) and her latest project “A Movement in Water,” which deeply connects with her ayahuasca experiences. The forum will also examine her involvement with the Brazilian ayahuasca religion Santo Daime, highlighting cultural differences and filming experiences in Brazil and beyond. Moderating the forum will be Ana Flecha, a researcher exploring the Santo Daime bailado, a central dance practice of the religion, who is revealing neocolonial biases in intellectual debates around and practices with these medicines.