A film exploring the ravages of colonialism will be shown in May as part of Film Streams’ Science on Screen series.
“Embrace of the Serpent” is the story of Karamakate, an Amazonian shaman and the last survivor of his people. The film was inspired by the real-life journals of two explorers (Theodor Koch-Grunberg and Richard Evans Schultes) who traveled through the Colombian Amazon during the 20th century in search of the sacred and difficult-to-find psychedelic Yakruna plant.
On Tuesday, May 3, at 7 p.m., Film Streams, UNMC, and the UNO Department of Sociology & Anthropology will present a special screening of the film, followed by a talk with neuroscientist Soonjo Hwang, M.D., assistant professor of psychiatry at UNMC and anthropologist Timi Barone, Ph.D. The discussion will be moderated by Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska Director Howard Liu, M.D., who is assistant vice chancellor for faculty development and associate professor of psychiatry at UNMC.
The discussion will touch on topics raised by the film, including the implications of colonial-era anthropology and the effects on the brain of traditional medicine.
Science on Screen is a national series which creatively pairs classic, cult, and documentary films with lively talks led by notable figures from the world of science, technology and medicine.
Tickets for this special screening at Film Streams’ Ruth Sokolof Theater, 1340 Mike Fahey St., are $9 general; $7 for students, seniors, teachers, military, and those arriving by bicycle; and $4.50 for Film Streams members. Advance tickets can be purchased here or through the Film Streams box office, in person or at 402-933-0259, ext. 15.
The film will run at the theater beginning April 29.