AceShowbiz - Conscious is a groundbreaking feature film that delves into the enigmatic nature of consciousness by examining dementia through a deeply human lens. Written and directed by London-based artist and filmmaker Suki Chan, this debut film aims to unravel the mysteries of the brain while exploring the fragility and resilience of the human mind. The film is set to have its world premiere on March 14 at the 23rd Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival (CPH:DOX).

Produced by Aconite Productions and Conscious Productions Studio, Conscious brings together scientific inquiry and personal experience, focusing on what it truly means to be conscious. The narrative centers on three women living with dementia and how their realities shape the understanding of consciousness. The film also features insights from renowned neuroscientist Anil Seth, whose work on consciousness bridges scientific rigor with intimate human experience, highlighting the intersection of his professional and personal life.

Conscious invites audiences into altered perceptual realms using innovative visuals and rich soundscapes. These artistic elements help portray the shifting landscapes of awareness experienced by those affected by dementia. The filmmakers promise an optimistic and cinematic journey that draws viewers closer to appreciating the complexities of the mind’s strength and vulnerabilities.

The production team includes Aimara Reques, Teresa Grimes, and Suki Chan as producers. The cinematography was crafted by David Lee and Catherine Derry, while the evocative musical score was composed by Dominik Scherrer. Editing was led by Chan alongside Michael Ellis, a veteran editor known for his work on iconic films such as Superman starring Christopher Reeve and The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. Additionally, microscopic cloud tank imagery contributed by Chris Parks, famous for his work on The Tree of Life and The Fountain, adds a unique visual texture to the film. The project was funded by Screen Scotland, BFI/Doc Society, and Sundance/Sandbox Films, with Aconite Productions handling distribution rights.

In a detailed conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Suki Chan and Michael Ellis shared insights into the creative process behind Conscious and its exploration of the human brain’s enigmatic territory.

When asked why she was drawn to making a film about dementia and its impact on consciousness, Chan explained that her initial goal was to explore consciousness itself, with dementia serving as a crucial chapter in this exploration. She revealed that Shakespeare’s Seven Ages of Man inspired her to view life as a series of evolving awareness stages, with dementia representing a later phase in this continuum.

Chan's fascination with the brain grew from years of exploring perception in her artistic work, but it became more personal during her first pregnancy. She reflected on questions about her unborn son’s awareness and experience inside the womb. Raised as the youngest of five siblings within a Chinese cultural context that reveres elders—as captured by the proverb, “A family with an old person has a living treasure of gold”—Chan has been deeply influenced by her family’s experiences. She cared for her grandmother during her decline and is currently navigating dementia with her mother, diagnosed last year.

“For me, human consciousness is like a bell-shaped curve—rising in early years and receding later,” Chan said. She is drawn to transitional and often overlooked stages of human experience. Instead of focusing on more straightforward conditions linked to consciousness, such as locked-in syndrome, she chose dementia for its complex implications on identity and self-understanding.

Chan also expressed surprise at discovering unexpected positive aspects within the dementia experience. During her artist residency at Belong care homes, she met Pegeen O'Sullivan, whose story profoundly affected her. Pegeen described a newfound fearlessness after her dementia diagnosis—showing that dementia can sometimes liberate individuals from fears and childhood traumas, rather than merely erasing memories.

This shift in perspective was reinforced by the experiences of Wendy Mitchell, a woman living with dementia who spoke of the “gifts of dementia.” Wendy transformed from a reserved individual into what she described as a “gregarious alien,” embracing an expansive new way of being. Contrary to traditional narratives of decline, Wendy's world enlarged through new relationships and adventures. After her diagnosis, she authored bestselling books, received two honorary doctorates, and even participated in a wing walking charity event strapped to the top of an airplane for Minds and Voices.

Witnessing such personal growth amid adversity profoundly changed Chan’s understanding of dementia, challenging public perceptions of the disease as solely bleak and tragic.

When asked about the film’s blend of science, mystery, and intimate storytelling, Chan emphasized her long-standing interest in fusing different disciplines. She views science and philosophy not as separate fields but as complementary perspectives probing the same fundamental questions. Her collaborations with scientists revealed shared curiosity but divergent goals, which she sought to harmonize in the film.

For Conscious, Chan aimed to highlight parallels between micro and macro worlds—between biological structures and natural landscapes. Examining the brain’s intricate architecture and the microscopic details of the eye, she saw alien terrains akin to deep space, concluding that vast unexplored worlds exist within us without needing to look outward.

The film’s visuals and soundscapes were carefully designed to transport viewers into the inner realities of the protagonists. For Wendy Mitchell, the filmmakers created visual metaphors to represent her shifting experiences with dementia—such as fog descending on the brain, the sensation of a bad day with the disease, and electric storms symbolizing neural disruptions.

Chan recounted showing storyboards to Wendy to depict these emotional experiences visually. On one occasion, Wendy described a recent difficult episode that perfectly matched one of the film’s visual sequences: an aerial nighttime shot of the UK with networks of roads flickering and fading, symbolizing the loss of neural connectivity. This alignment between lived experience and cinematic representation underscored the film’s immersive approach.

In sum, Conscious offers a uniquely poetic yet scientifically grounded exploration of consciousness through the prism of dementia. By merging personal stories, neuroscience, and evocative art, the film challenges viewers to reconsider what it means to be aware, to lose parts of the self, and to find new forms of existence amid cognitive transformation.

With its world premiere scheduled for March 14 at CPH:DOX, Conscious promises to open new pathways for understanding the human mind’s mysteries, inviting audiences into a cinematic experience that is both intellectually stimulating and profoundly empathetic.