BOOMTOWN NEWS

Filming begins for “The Fly Agaric - Myth, Magic, and Microchemistry”

DER FLIEGENPILZ (The Fly Agaric) is a new documentary film currently being produced for ZDF/ARTE about one of the most mysterious creatures in the natural world.

In October and November 2025, Thomas Grube and his long-standing team will embark on a cinematic journey into the world of Amanita muscaria.

For centuries, the red mushroom with white spots has fascinated people around the world—as a symbol of good luck, as a poison and psychactive drug, and as a source of inspiration in art and religion. 

The film explores the myths, magic, and science surrounding the fly agaric—from the shamanism of Siberian peoples to fairy tales and pop culture to the latest research on muscimol and ibotenic acid.

With exciting protagonists from the worlds of culture, science, and spirituality, the film takes viewers on a multi-layered journey into the history and present of one of the most fascinating natural beings on our planet. Filming will take place in Germany, France, and Switzerland. Completion: 2026

The Fly Agaric – Myth, Magic and Microchemistry
A film by Thomas Grube
Camera: René Dame, Sound: Hannes Marget
Producers: Thomas Grube, Uwe Dierks
Commissioning Editor: Eva Schmidt (ZDF/Arte)
Collaboration: Melanie Kühnlein
A production by Boomtown Media
in collaboration with ZDF/Arte

Documentary, 52 min.