PODCAST| Matt Micucci interviews Carol Salter, director of the filmAlmost Heaven.
Director Carol Salter presented her film, Almost Heaven, at the 20th One World International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival in Prague, Czech Republic. The documentary tells the story of a young Chinese girl who learns about friendship, love and caring for the dead as she learns to become a mortician. “It was fear and intrigue that took me to China,” Salter tells us. In this interview, she talks about meeting her young protagonist and how she was able to establish a level of trust with her and the funeral parlor despite the fact that she did not speak in Chinese. “Access in documentary is always a challenge … and death is always a taboo subject, especially in China.” She also talks about shooting the film on her own, and the benefit of “self-shooting” to make Almost Heaven. Salter also reveals the personal reasons for making the documentary, such as dealing with loss and her own mortality.
Almost Heaven: A deeply personal documentary set against the unusual backdrop of a Chinese funeral home that follows the story of Ying, a teenager for whom this place represents a first job, friendship, and also boredom. Ying Ling is only 17 years old and works in one of China’s largest funeral homes, where she and her peers learn the precise work of washing the dead and arranging the funeral ceremony. Early years of life intermingle with the end of life and the painful emotions of relatives. Ying, however, remains a teenage girl with all the joys and sorrows this brings. She takes time to play video games, experiences her first love, but also a painful separation from her parents and a fear of ghosts. Can these different worlds merge into one?
"Always" by Deming Chen, produced by Hansen Lin: an exploration of childhood in rural China and the power of poetry. A lyrical and sensitive depiction of a young boy's life that offers a unique perspective.
Hsu Ya-Ting (director) and Huang Yin-Yu (producer) of "Island of the Winds" discuss the importance of remembering forgotten stories and the long journey to bring this powerful documentary to the screen.
"Whispers in the Woods": Vincent Munier discusses the importance of connecting with nature and family in his new documentary, a breathtaking journey into the heart of the forest.
Ben Rivers, director of "Mare's Nest", discusses exploring themes of non-violent anarchy, hope in a dark world, and the importance of storytelling in his latest film.