Blending narration directly from Rak Razam's book <i>Aya Awakenings</i> with video footage, interviews with practicing curanderos (healers), samples of traditional icaros or magic songs, photographs, and cutting edge special effects, the movie <i>AYA: Awakenings</i> reproduces the inner landscape of the visionary state in unprecedented detail, invoking an awakening in the viewer. Meet the book's "spiritual tourists," rogue scientists, black magicians, indigenous healers, and Western guides in person and gain an understanding of the history of Amazonian shamanism through the art, music, and culture of the region.<br><br> Directed by Tim Parish, the movie features the artwork of Pablo Amaringo, Andy Debrenardi, and more; the screenplay was written by Rak Razam, video editing by Verb Studios, soundscapes by Lulu Madill and music by Shpongle, Tipper, Darpan, Lula Cruza, and curanderos Norma Panduro, Guillermo Arevalo, Percy Garcia Lozano, Ron Wheelock, and Kevin Furnas. This documentary charts the global shamanic resurgence born in the jungles of Peru reaching out to embrace the world.<br> <br>"The vine has spread her tendrils across the world and a genuine archaic revival was underway. My bags were packed, South America beckoned, and the ancient mysteries of the rainforest awaited. I wanted in on it ..."--Rak Razam