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Better Living Through Chemistry

Better Living Through Chemistry

SEP 21, 2021 · 87 MIN · DIR. CONNIE LITTLEFIELD

Documentary

In the 1970s, Dr. Alexander “Sasha” Shulgin significantly contributed to the development and psychopharmaceutical use of MDMA: a catalyst to personal doors entombed or unknown. His widow, co-author, and research partner, Ann—alongside friends, family, and colleagues—gives a guided tour of their life and laboratory, reflecting on how risks and revelations opened a world of compound enlightenment. Stippled with spirituality, sadness, and skepticism, the Shulgins’ chemical love story examines the power of psychedelic psychotherapy, sacred alchemy, and challenging the path of misunderstood resistance.

Cast

  • Ann Shulgin

    Ann Shulgin

    Self

  • Alexander Shulgin

    Alexander Shulgin

    Self

  • Tania Manning

    Self

  • Greg Manning

    Self

  • Brian Perry

    Brian Perry

    Self - Ann's Son

  • Renee Reeser Zelnick

    Self

  • Mariavittoria Mangini

    Mariavittoria Mangini

    Self

  • Jennifer Dumpert

    Self

  • Fire Erowid

    Self

  • Earth Erowid

    Self

  • David E. Presti

    Self

  • Sunny Heartsong

    Self

Crew

Writer

Connie Littlefield

Director of Photography

Kyle Cameron

Director of Photography

Sue Johnson

Editor

James Yates

Original Music Composer

Andy McNeill

Producer

Connie Littlefield