‘Ibogaine: Rite of Passage’ is a 50 minute documentary that shows the different aspects of this special substance, that is derived from the root of an African plant that grows in Gabon, by means of personal experiences and explanations of ex-addicts, treatment providers and experts.
This film includes the story of Cy, who had been using a mixture of heroine and amphetamine for about 11 years, but more his concern for his three children and his ambitions are compelling him to give up his addiction which is taking an emotional toll on him; and Moussavou, who had suffered from an illness for more than a year and hopes that eating the holy plant will be the starting point of a new phase in her life.
This plant was originally used during initiations of the Bwiti culture, but in the sixties, the anti-addictive properties of this psychoactive substance were discovered by Howard Lotsof.
Despite the results that show the efficacy of Ibogaine, the pharmaceutical companies and the government show no interest and stay skeptical. The decision about the use of Ibogaine in the treatment of addiction appears to be made on political and economical, rather than a rational basis.