FAQs

Why should I see this film about dying? I’m scared enough already.

If you don’t see this film then you may be denying yourself the opportunity to break free of your fear. Death is not an option, yet many societies—Western society being a prime example—have cultivated an irrational dread of this natural part of life. DEATH BY JOY presents a refreshingly positive perspective of the journey.

Mary, the protagonist of the film, chose to embrace dying instead of trying to deny or flee from it. In so doing, she found that a remarkable process unfolded before her. It is a process she shares throughout the film.

True, not all life-changing events are without their challenges; indeed, the very thought of watching DEATH BY JOY may be a struggle. That’s life. That’s healing. And that’s death. The pure joy Mary discovers and emanates during her journey onward cannot help but spill light upon the darkness that feeds your fear.

Is this a religious film?

This question is usually asked by those concerned about whether the film has a scheme of indoctrination in some religious belief or a hidden agenda to promote a specific ideology. The answer is no.

Mary was a Bahá’í and her journey was very much shaped by her belief and her understanding of the teachings of the Bahá'í Faith. There is a quote at the beginning of the film from the Bahá’í writings—in fact the name of the film is based on this quote—and there is mention at the end about Mary being a Bahá’í. Other than that, you’ll not hear any direct mention of this or any other religion.

Mary’s journey is, however, one with a strong mystical component. It is the balance that Mary achieves between the practical (“Yes, I have a golf-ball-sized tumour in my brain”) and the spiritual (“It’s a bronze river of luminous light”) that makes this story so compelling.

Is this a film for people of all ages?

Probably not. The concern is not about the subject of dying but rather about the brief though frank description by Mary of the childhood abuse she suffered.

If you have any doubt about whether your children should see the film, please watch it first without them.

Is this a film about assisted suicide or medical assistance in dying?

No.