Dr. Jan Bastiaans’ LSD-therapy

19:00 - Doors open to the Ventilator Cinema/ Bar

19:10 - 19:30 Introduction and context of the film (15-20 min)

19:30 - 20:35 Documentary Screening (65min)

20:35 - 20:45 Short Q&A (10-15 min)

21:00 - 23:00 Drinks
Join us for a special screening of “Begrijpt u nu waarom ik huil?” (Now do you get it?) organized by the Amsterdam Psychedelic Research Association (APRA). This 1969 documentary film by Dutch director Louis van Gasteren documents Dutch psychiatrist Dr. Jan Bastiaans’ treatment of concentration camp survivors through LSD-assisted psychotherapy. In particular, the film documents the treatment undergone by former concentration camp prisoner Joop. After facing the horrors of surviving in several concentration camps between 1941-1945, Joop returned home to his wife a different man. He had nightmares and was incapable of ordinary human contact. With two cameras, Van Gasteren shot over six and a half hours of the first treatment session Joop underwent, which was edited to over one hour of film. The film paints a deeply emotional picture of the depth of human trauma endured during the holocaust, shown through the eyes of one man. At the time of its release, the film made a big impression on Dutch society and even led to questions in parliament.
The film will be introduced with a brief talk on the historic, medical, and societal aspects of Bastiaans’ work with psychedelics by APRA's chair, Kenan de Leeuw. After the film screening, there will be a brief Q&A opportunity followed by drinks in the Ventilator Bar/Cafe.
Tickets are €4.99 for APRA members and €9.99 for non-members, and can be purchased through APRA's website.