Soul Films are sensitively produced short films that remember and celebrate someone who has died or is reaching end of life. A QR code linking to the film online can be printed on to a memorial plaque that will be placed in a significant public space, creating a lasting legacy and an alternative memorial site.
Therapeutic filmmakers and supporters of the Death Positive Movement, Sybil Ah-Mane and Wendy Pye, can create a sensitive filming space for people to come together after the death of a loved one. We can interview friends, family and colleagues about the deceased and gather visual memories, to create an intimate 7-10 minute film of their life. The filming process can also act as a point of focus for collective sharing and remembrance, aiding the grieving process.
A Soul Film can also be made with individuals towards the end of their life. We can work with hospices who already offer legacy work and film people telling their own stories as well as film friends and family sharing stories about them. We can support and empower people to give voice to their own history that will then preserve their legacy.
We can also work with individuals, families and organisations to plan and explore alternative themes and custom-tailor a Soul Film that can incorporate your own ideas such as:
- A film responding to poems or writing written by the deceased. Or poems, writing or letters written about or to the deceased.
- We can work with charities or organisations to document personal stories about people who have died. The films and the QR codes can contribute to public remembrance and memorials.
- We can work with composers and song writers to create a piece of music about the deceased and create a video to accompany it.
A Soul Film is viewed through a unique QR code that is printed on to a plaque that is then placed in a significant public space, such as a memorial tree, bench, work space, whereby commemorating a meaningful link between that location and the person as well as creating an alternative memorial site.
About Soul Films
Filmmakers Sybil Ah-Mane and Wendy Pye have both spent years developing an interest in the subject of death and dying, that has come from their own personal, creative and professional experiences. Through those experiences they have both observed the resistances and fear that can still be present talking about death. They are both committed to encouraging and nurturing more conversations about death & dying to help alleviate common fears.
Wendy has completed the introduction to Death Doula course, she has done counselling courses, is a trained Samaritan volunteer and has led creative projects exploring suicide. Sybil specialises in producing films in Health & Social Care and has made a number of films for the Death Cafe. Both are skilled at filming sensitively and ensuring people are looked after and enjoy and benefit from the experience.
They founded Soul Films in 2020 after the sudden death of two close friends. They realised the filming process was therapeutic and helped them and others come to terms with their loss. They created a safe space to collectively reflect and share and continue to celebrate the person that the film is about. For everyone who chose to be involved, they noticed that being part of the film and creating a lasting legacy and memorial, supported the grieving process.
We use the Magic Video Box. It makes talking straight to camera super easy. We also set up film booths at memorial events so people feel supported in an in a safe space.