Kahyangan: The Balinese Journey of the Soul (2010)

Overview

This remarkable and at times mesmerizing documentary explores the full cycle of Balinese death rituals that support and protect the soul’s journey in its endless cycle of life, death, and rebirth. The specific ceremonies, which vary according to social and economic level, family tradition, and individual circumstance, are linked through Hindu-Buddhist tradition and the centrality of various Balinese forms of gamelan and vocal music that validate the rituals, protect the deceased, and guide the soul on its journey.