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Hero image for Loading Docs 2017 - The Coffin Club

Loading Docs 2017 - The Coffin Club

Web (Full Length) – 2017

A unique Kiwi story about prepping for death has captured the attention of international media. The BBC, The Guardian and National Geographic have all interviewed elderly members of a build-your-own-coffin club, some of whom feature in this musical short film. Members of the Kiwi Coffin Club don sequins and top hats, while singing about what makes their club tick — death is not to be feared, but instead should be celebrated as a normal part of life. A lyric from this offbeat Loading Doc sums up things succinctly: "It's the final verse but life goes on." 

We've removed the mystique, we've got the control, 'cos face it, a funeral's got to have soul. We never knew how awesome death could be.
– Kiwi Coffin Club members singing

Acknowledgements

Made with funding from NZ On Air, as well as the NZ Film CommissionTe Māngai Pāho and Lotto


Made with the support of the Stupski Foundation


 

Music

Music composed by Marshall Smith and Tom Fox


Lyrics by Nick Ward, Kim Harrop and Briar March

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