The Secret Life of Death, a co-production with Tangerine Pictures, reveals a sneak peek inside one of the oldest family-run funeral homes in Australia – Walter Carter Funerals, which has been based in Bondi Junction since the 1880s.
Told through the eyes of two of its youngest and most recent female recruits – Jasmine Cameron, a funeral director; and Amber Coote, the mortuary manager – this observational documentary lifts the lid on one of the last great taboos: death.
The documentary won critical acclaim, with the Sydney Morning Herald giving it four stars and The Australian giving it Pick of the Week, saying it is made “with a deeply humanist respect balanced by a ready humour that is always healthy, never cruel. It is a deft balancing act that results in an hour that is very moving, and very Australian.”
The Secret Life of Death has also been nominated for best documentary in the Screen Producers of Australia awards. The winner is announced in November.
It was narrated by Rachel Griffiths, directed by Dan Goldberg, produced by Nia Pericles, director of photography was Gary Russell, and executive producers were Adam Kay and Gary Russell.
It was funded by SBS, Screen Australia and Create NSW. Flame is distributing this documentary.
