The hour-long Speaking Grief documentary aired last night on Facebook Live, and it's available to watch now through the end of the month. It's followed by a panel discussion that includes some of the key participants in the making of the documentary. I’ve posted a trailer below.
For months I had been looking forward to seeing this show, and it did not disappoint. I recommend it to all, whether or not you've experienced the recent loss of a loved one. It's an insightful examination of how our culture handles grief and grieving (spoiler: not brilliantly), and how we can all do better.
Will it make you cry? It might; don't let that stop you. I found I was most moved by the illustration used at the beginning and end, in which we imagine what our world would be like if we could see how many of the people around us every day have suffered losses, and what a difference a little kindness makes. Overall I felt hopeful as the final credits rolled.
SPEAKING GRIEF is a public media initiative aimed at creating a more grief-aware society by validating the experience of grievers and helping to guide those who wish to support them. Learn more at https://speakinggrief.org