Documentary backdrop image for Free the Mind (2013)

201380 minNRdocumentary

6.4/ 10(7 ratings)• TMDB

Free the Mind

201380 minNRdocumentary

6.4/ 10(7 ratings)• TMDB

American war veterans and children participate in an experiment teaching meditation and yoga to help heal trauma and improve mental well-being.

Mental Health

Genres

Health

Director

Phie Ambo

Channel: Kino Lorber

Watch later

Free the Mind

2013• 80 minNR

6.4/ 10(7 ratings)• TMDB

Synopsis

American war veterans and children participate in an experiment teaching meditation and yoga to help heal trauma and improve mental well-being.

People

Synopsis

Professor Richard Davidson leads a unique initiative to teach meditation and yoga to American war veterans and children. Set against the backdrop of their personal struggles, the film follows veterans as they seek relief from the trauma of war. Davidson's methods aim to heal their nervous systems and promote emotional well-being. Through their experiences, the documentary illustrates how mindfulness practices can foster healing and a return to normalcy. Directed by Phie Ambo, "Free the Mind" runs for 80 minutes and was released in 2013.

Deep Dive

Why Watch

Meet Professor Richard Davidson and his innovative methods.
Find out how veterans use yoga to heal from trauma.
See children learn meditation for mental well-being.

Did You Know

The film was directed by Phie Ambo, a woman director.
The documentary has a runtime of 80 minutes.
It was produced in two countries: Denmark and Finland.

Perfect For

Mindfulness practicesVeteran supportYoga enthusiasts

Read full Deep Dive →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who directed the documentary 'Free the Mind'?

The documentary 'Free the Mind' was directed by Phie Ambo.

What year was 'Free the Mind' released?

'Free the Mind' was released in 2013.

What practices does Professor Richard Davidson teach to veterans and children in the documentary?

Professor Richard Davidson teaches meditation and yoga to American war veterans and children.

Awards & Festivals

DOCVILLE Documentary Film Festival

2013 • Official selection

Awards & Festivals

Comments

What are people saying?

Play More Like This

55m

Mind Forward

2019•55m•★9.0TMDB

Leading neuroscientists and technologists discuss the ethical considerations of merging human cognition with artificial intelligence and brain-computer interfaces.

Mind Forward

2019

1h23m

Into the Mind

2013•1h23m•★6.9TMDB

Athletes discuss the risks of extreme sports, with one skier contemplating a descent from a ridge while assessing unstable cornices and warm conditions.

Into the Mind

2013

52m

Misterio esta con nosotros - español

2021•52m

Cinco pacientes en París, Boston y Connecticut comparten sus historias de transformación personal.

Misterio esta con nosotros - español

2021

24m

Spectrum: A Story of the Mind | Autism Documentary | Full Movie

2024•24m

Autism is explored through the experiences of individuals on the spectrum, including Dr. Temple Grandin, highlighting their unique sensory perceptions and challenges.

Spectrum: A Story of the Mind | Autism Documentary | Full Movie

2024

45m

Can Art Therapy Help Traumatised Kids?

2022•45m

A three-day art therapy project at the Main Street Counseling Center helps children express their feelings and work through trauma.

Can Art Therapy Help Traumatised Kids?

2022

1h19m

Magic Medicine: When Magic Mushrooms Cure Depression

2024•1h19m

In 2012, British researchers began a clinical trial involving 20 participants suffering from severe depression, testing the effects of psilocybin.

Magic Medicine: When Magic Mushrooms Cure Depression

2024

58m

Let There Be Light

2013•58m•★7.3TMDB

Eight weeks pass as veterans at Mason General Hospital undergo treatment for combat-related psychological issues before returning to civilian life.

Let There Be Light

2013

1h13m

Is My Kid Crazy? Young, Scared and Dealing with Mental Health (Health Documentary)

2023•1h13m

Twelve-year-old David describes his experience with bipolar disorder, sharing how fear and anger have shaped his childhood and family life.

Is My Kid Crazy? Young, Scared and Dealing with Mental Health (Health Documentary)

2023

44m

Inside Airport Lost & Found

2022•44m•★2.0TMDB

Millions of belongings are misplaced at airports each year, with lost items traveling from Seattle to auction houses in Pittsburgh and sales in Alabama.

Inside Airport Lost & Found

2022

Tibetan Refugees: The Hardest Fight For Justice After 70 Years Of Exile

2026•1h

Tibetan refugees, after 70 years in exile, continue to seek justice, as illustrated by Sonam Choeden's return to India and insights from the 14th Dalai Lama.

Tibetan Refugees: The Hardest Fight For Justice After 70 Years Of Exile

2026

1h17m

The most dangerous place for a woman is her own home - True Story Documentary Channel

2022•1h17m

Intimate partner violence in the United States claims the lives of at least four women daily, as highlighted through the experiences of survivors seeking justice.

The most dangerous place for a woman is her own home - True Story Documentary Channel

2022

53m

This Man Executed 62 People Then Walked Away

2026•53m

Jerry Givens, a former chief executioner, reflects on the moral complexities of capital punishment alongside victims' families and wrongful conviction cases.

This Man Executed 62 People Then Walked Away

2026

Explore Free the Mind

Trailer People Awards Deep Dive Topics FAQ Stream

Browse more like this

55m

Mind Forward

2019•55m•★9.0TMDB

Leading neuroscientists and technologists discuss the ethical considerations of merging human cognition with artificial intelligence and brain-computer interfaces.

Mind Forward

2019

No digital watch option in your country

44m

Inside Airport Lost & Found

2022•44m•★2.0TMDB

Millions of belongings are misplaced at airports each year, with lost items traveling from Seattle to auction houses in Pittsburgh and sales in Alabama.

Inside Airport Lost & Found

2022

No digital watch option in your country

53m

This Man Executed 62 People Then Walked Away

2026•53m

Jerry Givens, a former chief executioner, reflects on the moral complexities of capital punishment alongside victims' families and wrongful conviction cases.

This Man Executed 62 People Then Walked Away

2026

No digital watch option in your country

1h24m

Mindfulness: Be Happy Now

2015•1h24m•★9.5TMDB

Zen Buddhist Monk Thich Nhat Hanh's introduction of mindfulness to the West is explored through insights from Oprah Winfrey, Phil Jackson, and Anderson Cooper.

Mindfulness: Be Happy Now

2015

1h21m

One Mind: A Zen Pilgrimage

2019•1h21m•★10.0TMDB

Zen monks in China combine meditation and labor, demonstrating a lifestyle that emphasizes mindfulness and harmony with nature.

One Mind: A Zen Pilgrimage

2019

27m

Resurface

2017•27m•★6.8TMDB

A veteran on the verge of suicide finds healing through a surf therapy program designed for traumatized soldiers.

Resurface

2017

1h27m

The Wisdom of Trauma

2021•1h27m•★7.1TMDB

One in five Americans is diagnosed with a mental illness each year, while suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth aged 15-24.

The Wisdom of Trauma

2021

1h36m

My Year of Living Mindfully

2020•1h36m•★7.5TMDB

Over the course of a year, Shannon Harvey tests the effects of meditation on her health after being diagnosed with an auto-immune disease at age 24.

My Year of Living Mindfully

2020

1h48m

Heal

2017•1h48m•★7.3TMDB

Four individuals share their experiences with mind-body interventions after being diagnosed with serious illnesses in this 108-minute documentary.

Heal

2017

1h48m

In Waves and War

2024•1h48m•★6.7TMDB

Three Navy SEALs confront treatment-resistant psychological pain after returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, seeking healing through psychedelic therapy.

In Waves and War

2024

2h40m

Headspace Guide to Meditation

2021•2h40m•★7.8TMDB

Meditation offers techniques for managing stress and fostering gratitude, featuring guided practices to enhance daily life and well-being.

Headspace Guide to Meditation

2021

2h22m

Of Men and War

2014•2h22m•★6.9TMDB

Five years of therapy at The Pathway Home in Yountville, California, reveal the psychological impact of war on American veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan.

Of Men and War

2014