Here. Sean Blackwell interviews Phil Borges about how his experience with tribal cultures and shamanism have shaped his views of our society and the mental health system.

For nearly three decades Phil Borges has been documenting indigenous and tribal cultures, striving to create an understanding of the challenges they face. His work is exhibited in museums and galleries worldwide.  Phil has hosted television documentaries on indigenous cultures and shamanism for Discovery and National Geographic channels.  He regularly presents at universities, teaches workshops, and has spoken at multiple TED events. Phil’s documentary film CRAZYWISE reveals a paradigm shift that’s changing the way Western culture defines and treats “mental illness”. After eight years and countless interviews with mental health care professionals, neuroscientists, and individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, CRAZYWISE explores the deeper understandings of, and effective approaches to, a psychological crisis. The film highlights a survivor-led movement demanding more choices from a mental health care system in crisis.