Homegoings | Two Gods

Described as “a poetically crafted exploration…poignant, inspirational, and unexpectedly uplifting” by Filmmaker Magazine, Homegoings observes the daily life and musings of funeral director Isaiah Owens, the man behind one of the few remaining Black-owned funeral homes in Harlem. Narrated by Owens himself and interwoven with archival photographs and interviews with community members, Homegoings serves as a powerful reminder of the possibility for celebration, collectivity, and joy to walk alongside grief. (51 mins., DCP)

Zeshawn Ali’s striking and immersive Two Gods also follows a local death worker: Hanif, a Muslim ritual body washer and casket maker living in Newark, New Jersey. Shot in luminescent black and white, the film follows Hanif as he mentors two young boys, Furquan and Naz. Described by POV Magazine as “exuding humanity through every frame,” the result is a tender, sublime meditation on spirituality, brotherhood, and how to craft a meaningful life. (86 mins., DCP)

Join us at 4 PM after the screenings for a free panel discussion and Q&A with director Zeshawn Ali, local end-of-life doula Victoria Frye, and Dr. Karen Moss, an assistant professor in Ohio State’s College of Nursing. This panel will explore questions around end-of-life decision-making and care from a community-centered perspective as well as ways systems of power impact the reality of dying in the United States.

Please note: Two Gods contains discussions of domestic violence and abuse, as well as mature language not suitable for all ages.

See the complete Resting Places lineup.

IMAGE CAPTION
Left to right: Homegoings; Two Gods, images courtesy of the filmmakers.