In a predominantly Asian society like Singapore’s, the topic of death is considered taboo — or, in our terms, ‘pantang‘. The dead are revered and given due respect through multiple traditions across various cultures of the country, from Qingming Festival to the elaborate sendoffs for cremation by Hindus.
But such a pantang topic means there’s a significant social stigma revolving around the industry of death — an everyday experience for those who make it their very livelihood.
Despite the negative connotations in the business of death, some unlikely individuals have risen up to the challenge of getting the job done, because if they don’t, who else will? Post Mortem — directed by Sean Foo and Nazurah Zulfakir — is a documentary that explores tabooed professions such as funeral celebrants, funeral directors and embalmers, as well as the new generation that is entering the industry. Watch the documentary below, and check out the challenges of burying the dead in land-strapped Singapore.
