Can a documentary have impact on issues as diverse as mental health and economics? Or education and climate change?
Ogilvy & Mather UK Vice-Chairman Rory Sutherland interviews scientist and author, Iain McGilchrist and producer, Vanessa Dylyn at the London screening of The Divided Brain. photo courtesy Ogilvy & Mather UK
On November 12, 2018, an engaged audience that included major writers, hedge fund managers, lawyers, public policy makers and economists, viewed and responded to an advance screening of THE DIVIDED BRAIN, hosted by Ogilvy & Mather UK, at its London headquarters. THE DIVIDED BRAIN examines scientist and author, Iain McGilchrist’s controversial theory that many of our world’s problems originate inside the modern human brain.
This theory goes deeper than the obvious idea that we humans are the engineers of our own misfortune. Using science to support its social message, THE DIVIDED BRAIN shows the problem of our brain hemispheres’ essential but ultimately incompatible world views: The left half is fixated on details and doesn’t know what it doesn’t know, while the right half sees the whole, replete with context and possibilities. THE DIVIDED BRAIN helps us understand this remarkable idea, shows us the evidence of this problem, and inspires us to reverse a growing imbalance that is tipping our world toward oblivion.
Following the screening, Ogilvy & Mather UK Vice-Chairman, Rory Sutherland interviewed Dr. McGilchrist and producer Vanessa Dylyn and then took audience questions. It was a lively, engaging discussion. In a seemingly metaphorical statement, Dr. McGilchrist said that it seems a shame to wait until we become unwell to seek healthier mental practices when we could use healthy practices in our daily lives.
Anticipating THE DIVIDED BRAIN’s impact when it is officially released, here is some audience feedback from this inaugural screening:
The Divided Brain is a very powerful documentary that has not shied from including critical voices. It conveys, with great clarity and conviction, the immeasurable dangers of the colonisation of the brain by the left-brain hemisphere.
– Sunil Kumar, PhD, former dean, London School of Economics and Political Science.
The Divided Brain is an extraordinary film that traverses science, art, nature, history, culture, music, education and humour, and thereby skillfully exemplifies its subtle, visionary, beautiful and timely message.
– Dr. Jonathan Rowson, Scottish Chess Grandmaster, former director of the Social Brain Centre at the RSA, London.
I’ve been fascinated and greatly influenced by Iain McGilchrist’s “The Master and his Emissary”, so I was delighted to see this excellent documentary about his work and ideas. The documentary is a superb introduction to Iain’s brilliant book. Thoroughly recommended viewing.”
-Peter Fudakowski – Producer of the Oscar-winning feature film TSOTSI
Huge congratulations to you . I know from my practice, there will be an inordinate number of people who will revive, thrive and flourish as a result of your work in this film. Thank you.
– Dr. Miranda Banks, performance psychologist, author of Fitter, Faster, Stronger, Smarter.