SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25
4PM
CAMH Arrell Family Auditorium
1025 Queen Street West, 2nd Floor
Toronto, Ontario
ACCESSIBILITY
Wheelchair Accessible Venue, Open Captions
Mike Bernard / 2024 / English / Canada / 80 min / Toronto Premiere
GENRE: DOCUMENTARY
TOPIC: ANXIETY, COMMUNITY, DEPRESSION, PSYCHIATRY, PTSD
TYPE: FILM
CONTENT WARNING: Self-harm or suicide
It’s no secret that first responders witness and experience some of the worst societal trauma imaginable. How they deal with the debilitating effects of PTSD on a daily basis has been the subject of many films and studies, but Mike Bernard’s new Canadian documentary invites audiences to explore a new, innovative treatment program–Roots to Thrive–that’s using groundbreaking psychedelic medicines alongside group therapy to provide hope and healing to those affected.
The film follows three firefighters, each at a different stage of the program, as they face challenges, breakthroughs, and reconnections. It also features experts from the therapy, trauma and mental health spheres as they guide the trio on their individual journeys. Quiet the Sirens poses important questions about how we support our bravest citizens, how pioneering new drugs and therapies can best help them, and how societal stigmas can often get in the way of both.
It’s a tribute to those pushing forward despite obstacles, and the hope it may give those suffering from PTSD and similar conditions around the world.
— Emma Badame, Rendezvous with Madness 2026 Film Programmer
ABOUT THE DIRECTOR
Mike Bernard is a creative professional who makes use of film, design, photography, and language to communicate in ways that provide insight and inspiration. He excels at translating strategy into tangible messaging, ensuring that even complex ideas can reach their audiences.
He began with his first love – photography, receiving a BAA in Photographic Studies from Ryerson University and has had images published in magazines and national campaigns as well as a solo show in 2017. During the early 2000s he ran a design company called ‘Headwaters Design’ focused on design for print and web, motion graphics, and video production.
PANEL DISCUSSION
Henria
Stephens
Advocate for Plant-based Medicines and Psychedelic Therapies
ABOUT THE PANELISTS
Henria Stephens is a dedicated advocate for plant-based medicines and psychedelic therapies, driven by the belief that people have an absolute right to choose their own medicine. Having witnessed firsthand the profound benefits of psychedelics for pain management, end-of-life depression, and addiction, Henria finds it deeply troubling that Canada’s healthcare model has prioritzed easier access to MAID versus alternative healing modalities.
Her background includes working with several law firms (Lewin & Sagara LLP, Cannabis Law, and Cannabis and Psychedelics Law Group LLP) assisting clients with Special Access Program (SAP) applications, drafting Health Canada s.56 exemptions, and walking individuals through sensitive legal procedures. Henria remains a compassionate champion for cognitive liberty, patient autonomy, and more humane, holistic health choices.
CO-PRESENTERS
