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LOOK UP—The Science of Cultural Evolution

Embark on a captivating journey where academic science meets cultural wisdom. "LOOK UP—The Science of Cultural Evolution" is a groundbreaking animated film that breathes life into a comprehensive scientific manuscript. This two-hour and fifty-minute feature is a new genre, blending the intricacies of psychotherapy research with the timeless sagacity of ancient and modern wisdom.

Dive into an exploration of how cultural evolution mirrors biological evolution, highlighting emergent phenomena that define both our scientific endeavors and our collective consciousness. The film delves into the profound impact of psychotherapy on personal and societal transformation, advocating for the integration of relational science into everyday practices.

Guided by a compelling narrative, "LOOK UP" takes viewers on a Viking raid through the realms of psychotherapy, uncovering the unique specialties that contribute to human development and interconnectedness. It emphasizes the ancient practice of healing through unconscious cultural agreements, manifesting in the form of placebo effects and shared human experiences.

Join us for an enlightening experience that invites you to embrace the ancient healer within, fostering personal growth and societal change. This film is not just a viewing experience but an invitation to practice and integrate the profound insights it offers.

  • Nini Caroline Skarpaas Myhrvold
    Director
  • Espen Jan Folmo
    Director
  • Nini Caroline Skarpaas Myhrvold
    Writer
  • Espen Jan Folmo
    Writer
  • Nini Caroline Skarpaas Myhrvold
    Producer
  • Espen Jan Folmo
    Producer
  • Nini Caroline Skarpaas Myhrvold
    Key Cast
  • Espen Jan Folmo
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Animation, Documentary
  • Genres:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    2 hours 50 minutes 47 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    August 20, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    9,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Norway
  • Country of Filming:
    Norway
  • Language:
    English
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Nini Caroline Skarpaas Myhrvold, Espen Jan Folmo

Nini Caroline Skarpaas Myhrvold (b. 1990) has a background as an environmental therapist and is a birth and pregnancy therapist. She has specialized expertise in trauma-sensitive care and prefers a holistic approach. She is a biopath, has two scientific publications, and is currently pursuing an EMBA at Hult International Business School. Website: www.ninicaroline.no

Espen Jan Folmo (b. 1980) holds a PhD in psychology and is also a trained journalist. He has a certification in technology management from MIT and a master's degree in change management from INSEAD. He led the Quality Laboratory for Psychotherapy at Oslo University Hospital for 10 years and has extensive experience in international research in psychotherapy. He co-authored a textbook on Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT) published by Gyldendal. He has delved into spiritual systems, such as the Diamond Approach, for over 20 years. Website: www.espenfolmo.no
Other publications: https://scholar.google.no/citations?user=_LpNgqcAAAAJ&hl=en

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

LOOK UP—The Science of Cultural Evolution began as a humble idea: how can we bridge the gap between scientific discovery and the profound wisdom of human experience? As directors, we wanted to create something more than just a documentary. We wanted to invite people into a dialogue—both with themselves and with the world around them.

This film is born from the belief that the personal and the universal are inextricably linked. The way we heal ourselves mirrors the way cultures evolve. Our journey as humans is not one of isolation, but of constant interplay with society and nature. In this sense, healing is not just personal; it's collective. It is cultural evolution in action.

At its core, LOOK UP is both a scientific exploration and a love letter to human resilience. Drawing from the rich fields of psychotherapy, ancient spiritual teachings, and modern culture, we’ve woven a tapestry of personal stories that speak to our deepest longing—to heal, grow, and find meaning. But we didn’t stop at the cerebral. We wanted to take the viewer on a visual journey, one that taps into the language of the soul: art and animation.

Through this film, we hope audiences will see their own role in this grand narrative of cultural evolution. By healing ourselves, we heal the culture around us. By questioning the stories we’ve been told, we can shape the stories that will define us.

LOOK UP is an invitation—to reflect, to evolve, and to imagine what might emerge when we collectively embrace the power of personal and societal transformation. And maybe, just maybe, to remember that the most profound shifts often come not from looking down at what’s familiar, but by looking up at what could be.