P.O.V. - A Family Undertaking

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Prior to the 20th century, most Americans prepared their dead for burial with the help of family and friends, but today most funerals are part of a multimillion-dollar industry run by professionals. "A Family Undertaking" explores the growing home-funeral movement by following several families in their most intimate moments as they reclaim the end of life, forgoing a typical mortuary funeral to care for their loved ones at home. | Read the synopsis »

Encore: Aug. 14, 2007 at 10PM | Check for Rebroadcasts

"This film isn't arguing that people should have home funerals, as opposed to mortuary funerals. The film is about choices — mourning doesn't have to be a cookie cutter experience."
—Elizabeth Westrate

Read more in the
Filmmaker Interview »

DYING IN AMERICA: A CHRONOLOGY

Trace the evolution of the American way of death from the colonial days through the present. Along the way you'll find changes in beliefs about death and grief, the emergence of the funeral industry, developments in the field of medicine, and the impact of war. »

ASK AN EXPERT

Our panel of home funeral guides and advocates responds to questions that viewers submitted in this unique online resource. Find out about the laws in your state, how to start the planning process and more. »

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P.O.V. > A Family Undertaking: Film Update | Special Features | Behind the Lens | Talking Back
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