A FILM. A BOOK. A MOVEMENT.
Click Here to visit the official Death Makes Life Possible web site.
THE FILM
Death is something that most people fear and don’t want to think about. But is it possible that facing our mortality can inspire us to live our lives more fully?
Death Makes Life Possible the film follows cultural anthropologist and scientist Marilyn Schlitz, Ph.D., as she explores the mysteries of life and death from a variety of perspectives and world traditions. Sparked by her own near death experience as a teenager, Schlitz has been delving into the nature of consciousness and death for the past three decades.
The film looks at how popular culture deals with the ever-present fear many have about our own mortality. Interviews with mental health experts, cultural leaders, and scientists explore the meaning of death and how we can learn to live without fear. The interviews and evidence presented are interwoven with personal stories of people facing their own death as well as those who report encounters beyond death. The narrative is illustrated with vivid imagery.
Thanks to the many people who contributed to our Kickstarter fundraiser! Your support made this project possible.
THE BOOK
In Death Makes Life Possible, Dr. Marilyn Schlitz presents a wealth of teachings and practical guidance on how to turn this taboo topic into a source of peace, hope, connection, and compassion.
Featuring contributions by eminent scientists and scholars, spiritual leaders and devout skeptics, health practitioners, and people from all walks of life, this far-reaching work offers a companion to the award-winning documentary, revealing the myriad ways that we grow and change by expanding our perspectives on the ultimate mystery facing each one of us.
Click here to learn more.
THE MOVEMENT
- Create ways for people to engage in meaningful dialogue about death;
- Equip individuals, families, and caregivers with tools to facilitate safe exploration of death;
- Expand worldviews and nurture understanding about the cycle of life;
- Build a worldwide network in support of redefining death.
Learn more, support the movement and get involved! Click here to begin.
More Resources
TRAILER
BLOGS
Film Festivals
Illuminate Film Festival – 2014 World Premier – Sedona, Arizona – May 30th
www.illuminatefilmfestival.com
2015
2014
Community Events & Screenings
http://deathmakeslifepossible.com/events/local-screenings/
Press & News
Death Makes Life Possible Wins Gutsy Gals Film Award!
Death Makes Life Possible has won the 2014 Gutsy Gals Film Award for Special Category/Contemporary Spirituality. The Special Category Award is for films that provide insight into an important issue of our times.
According to Gutsy Gals, they received an impressive group of film submissions, and it was a difficult selection process. Their award letter noted that the “film has helped to support our mission of promoting talented women writers and directors of film, and putting women’s creative vision front-and-center in today’s contemporary media. We are honored to be honoring you with this award!”
Our Film Wins Two Telly Awards!!
The 35th Annual Telly Awards honored Death Makes Life Possible with their highest award, a Silver Telly, in the Documentary Category and a Bronze Telly in the Religious/Spiritual Category!
Silver Telly’s are the top awards given and with nearly 12,000 entries from all 50 states and numerous countries, this is truly an honor.
The Telly Awards was founded in 1979 and is the premier award honoring outstanding local, regional, and cable TV commercials and programs, the finest video and film productions, and online commercials, video and films. Winners represent the best work of the most respected advertising agencies, production companies, television stations, cable operators, and corporate video departments in the world.
Film Resources
The Death Makes Life Possible Discussion Guide
Since these topics touch
us all, anyone can benefit from this film. That said, there are particular audiences who may be more likely to integrate what is presented into their lives and work, such as hospice staff and volunteers, health care professionals, educators, spiritual counselors, caregivers and those facing end-of-life issues themselves.
Whether you are facilitating a discussion at a house gathering, community center or theater, place of worship, Death Café, support group, or classroom, the Death Makes Life Possible discussion guide is intended to support a positive and rewarding follow-up to the film experience.
Download the Discussion Guide (PDF)
Other Resources
[one_fourth]
[/one_fourth]
[two_third_last]
Sign-in Sheet: Sign-in sheets are used to collect contact details from your audience in order to bring together the community. After your screening send the sign-in sheet to the Specialty Studio’s office, and they will add those to their email list to keep you updated on the film’s progress. Click here to download.
[/two_third_last]
[one_fourth]
[/one_fourth]
[two_third_last]Postcard: These postcards are an excellent marketing tool to draw people to your screening. They can be easily displayed in holders on desks and tables, as well as be carried easily to hand out or send via post. Click here to download.[/two_third_last]
[one_fourth]
[/one_fourth][two_third_last]Poster: The Poster is an excellent tool to promote the film at your event. It acts as a display item which can be utilized in different spaces. Click here to download.[/two_third_last]
[one_fourth]
[/one_fourth][two_third_last]Blank Poster: The Poster is an excellent tool to promote the film at your event and includes space where you can add details of your event. It acts as a display item which can be utilized in different spaces. Click here to download.[/two_third_last]
Reviews
From Educational Media Reviews Online:
Death Makes Life Possible approaches the millennia-old question, “what happens after death?” from a variety of perspectives. When one understands both the process and event of death, it provides one a greater appreciation for and understanding of life. The film does well to present the idea of “life – or not – after death” from a critical perspective. Each cultural, religious, and scientific perspective of death is given space to provide explanation for its description of what happens after death. This film is noteworthy in a time when most Americans try to pretend that death does not exist, yet it is an experience shared by all forms of life. So, what is the key to understanding death and the idea of life after death? One interviewee noted that, “the key to the conquest of death is to know who you really are.” This provides one with a greater appreciation of the life lived. This film is suggested for sociology, counseling, neuroscience, religion, and health care – the facets of all these subjects that deal with the study and understanding of death.
