End-of-Life Documentaries:
I have chosen these documentaries because they give us hope, and show us what is possible when we look after our dead and dying well. Yes, they are also sad, and I have shed more than a few tears watching them, but the predominant feeling is one of optimism and inspiration!
Video: “Dr. Atul Gawande on Aging, Dying and Being Mortal” (2014)
Video: “Endgame” (2024, available on Netflix)
Video series: “Life Before Death Australia” (2022)
Video: SBS The Feed: “Dying at Home” (2016)
Video: ABC News Inside Story: “Inside the not-for-profit funeral home revolutionising how we deal with death” (2022)
Video: Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Lecture: “To Live Until We say Goodbye” (based on her 1978 book)
Your Funeral Rights:
CHOICE Article: “Lifting the lid on funerals” (2016) – examines your funeral options, and the impact on your pocket and the planet.
The Australian Funeral Industry:
Video: ABC News Four Corners: “After Death: Behind the scenes of Australia’s funeral industry” (2019) – a fairly bleak look at the industry, including its black – and white! – sheep. This documentary is important viewing, as it outlines what we are choosing when we are not making choices.
Green, Natural, Community-led Funerals:
This is the alternative. I am not recommending individual practitioners – I am recommending that you make up your own mind.
The Australian Natural Burial Project
Criteria and Characteristics of Green Burial defined by the US’ Green Burial Council
Gatheredhere‘s Guide to Green Funerals in Australia
ABC News Article: “Cemeteries plan ahead for increased demand for natural and eco burials” (2019)
And finally, and I am gladly linking them in several places to honour the beautiful work they are doing: Tender Funerals, offering not-for-profit, community-centred, comprehensive information, holistic death care, and support services.