Join filmmaker Mareesa Stertz as she shares her raw but humorous journey through anxiety, depression, and the unexpected healing power of psychedelics.
Plagued by a slew of failures and a debilitating OCD disorder, she desperately turns to ayahuasca for solutions. But when the medicine doesn’t meet expectations, she finds herself on a quest, traveling the world to make sense of her mysterious ailments
This isn’t a story about dramatic, headline-grabbing trauma, but rather the subtle yet pervasive “little t” traumas, that plague so many of us. Mareesa’s colorful path of self-discovery leads her to confront childhood wounds, unravel deeply ingrained patterns of overwork and self-criticism, and ultimately discover that true healing comes from acceptance of the past and embracing self-love. A raucous ride filled with unexpected twists and turns, her story offers a powerful testament to the transformative potential of psychedelics, offering hope and inspiration for anyone navigating their own healing journey.
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Mareesa Stertz is a filmmaker and storyteller whose work is centered around the exploration of psychedelics and their potential for personal transformation. She is the creator of the eight-part documentary series, "The Healing Powers of Psychedelics," which is currently screening on Gaia TV, Amazon, and Merry Jane. The series delves into the world of psychedelics, examining their cultural significance, therapeutic potential, and what it looks like to work with these tools.
Mareesa’s work has been featured by Viceland, CBS, IFC, SPIN, INDIE NATION, 60SecDocs and has been shown in numerous film festivals around the world. Clients include Participant Media, Hyperloop Transportation Technologies, TEDX, Nylon, Ableton Live, New York Film Academy, and more.
Mareesa's first feature-length film, focused on the acclaimed and esoteric community of Damanhur, showcases her ability to capture the essence of unique and often misunderstood cultures. This film, along with her ongoing work on psychedelics, demonstrates her commitment to using storytelling to illuminate complex topics and inspire deeper understanding.
See more of her film work at TheSeeingMachine.com
