Dirty Pictures – documentary film about psychedelic chemist Alexander Shulgin

Movie screening in Tampere, Thu June 26th, 2025

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Chemist Alexander ‘Sasha’ Shulgin, also known as “the godfather of MDMA”, discovered more than 200 psychedelic compounds during his lifetime. In addition to synthesizing these compounds, he explored their subjective effects with his wife Ann and a circle of friends. Based on this work, he published books documenting the methods for their synthesis and their psychoactive effects.

Shulgin’s work invited both deep respect and controversy. Authorities utilized his profound knowledge as an undeniable expert of his field, but his laboratory was also raided by the DEA in the 90s. His vast array of discoveries, which include substances such as 2C-B, DOM and 4-HO-MIPT, has had a profound impact in the world of psychedelics, and some consider him to be one of the greatest chemists of the twentieth century. For many lovers of psychedelics, he is a folk hero.

The documentary Dirty Pictures (2010) delves into the lifework of Dr. Shulgin. The findings, motivations, ideas and beliefs of Shulgin and his colleagues are examined, all revolving around the fascination with how such work can help us unlock complexities of the mind. 

On Thursday June 26th, on 6PM, Psykedeelisen sivistyksen liitto (Association for Finnish Psychedelic Education & Culture) will present the film in Kulttuurikeskus Kaista, Hatanpään Valtatie 34, entrance E, 2nd floor. The venue is wheelchair accessible, though unfortunately a wheelchair-accessible toilet is not available.

The movie will be shown with Finnish subtitles. After the screening, we’ll have time for an audience discussion on the film’s themes.

Schedule:

17:30 Doors open
18:00 Movie
19:30 Audience discussion
20:00 End

The event takes place in Kulttuurikeskus Kaista, Hatanpään Valtatie 34, entrance E, 2nd floor. The venue is wheelchair accessible, though unfortunately a wheelchair-accessible toilet is not available. The screening starts exactly at 6PM, so to avoid long queues, we kindly ask everyone to arrive in good time.

Presale ticket prices (payment methods MobilePay / payment card):

Regular price €11 
Support price €16
Support price €21

Reserve your tickets here – you’ll get payment links after filling up the form.

Members of Psykedeelisen sivistyksen liitto who’ve paid their membership fee for 2025 will get a discount link that enables a €3 discount for the presale ticket. You can pay our membership fee in our web store.

By buying a support ticket you can help us cover our expenses and support our future activities.

From the door, ticket prices start from €13. Payment methods there are MobilePay, payment card or exact sum in cash. You can also buy our art book Psykedeelit ja luovuus kotimaisessa kuvataiteessa and our other products at the event.