Sky Burial 2005
Distributed by The Film Library, 190 Route 17M, P.O. Box 1084, Harriman, NY 10926; 800-343-5540
Produced by Ellen Bruno
Directed by Ellen Bruno
VHS, color, 15 min.
Jr. High - Adult
Religious Studies, Asian Studies
Date Entered: 10/25/2005
Reviewed by Paul Moeller, University of Colorado at BoulderEllen Bruno’s documentary, Sky Burial, examines the burial practice as it is performed at the Drigung Monastery in Tibet. This practice includes chanting, the removal of flesh from the bones of the deceased, and the crushing of the bones in preparation for the offering of these body parts to vultures. These acts are considered to be a final generous gesture by the deceased toward the living.
In this short but powerful documentary Bruno chooses to explain this burial practice by showing the event. The sights and sounds of the burial are of and from the Tibetans taking part. There is little spoken narration to supplement what is being shown. Indeed, the sights and sounds of the burial are extremely thought provoking in their own right. Viewers are sure to gain a better understanding of sky burial while having questions about Tibetan views on life, death, and rebirth brought to the forefront. Students of funeral practices, Asian religions, and Tibetan culture will find Sky Burial to be of interest and it should prove to be a useful discussion tool. This film is highly recommended for viewers from Jr. High through adult and to the libraries that serve them.