Homegoings

Funeral Rites in the African American Community

Through the eyes of funeral director Isaiah Owens, the beauty and grace of African American funerals are brought to life. Filmed at the Owens Funeral Home in Harlem and the rural South, director Christine Turner's Homegoings takes an up-close look at the rarely seen world of undertaking in the black community, where funeral rites draw on a rich palette of tradition, history and celebration.

It reveals the special status of undertakers in the community; borne out of their permanence, their economic stability, and the necessities of the segregation period. Combining cinema verite with intimate interviews and archival photographs, featuring an evocative score by Daniel Roumain, the film paints a portrait of the dearly departed, their grieving families and a man who sends loved ones "home."

"Homegoings is a thoughtful and enlightening exploration of the cultural history and meaning of these traditions. An exquisitely tender documentary. Fascinating and assured." - Washington Post

"Serves as a foundation for a wider exploration of long-held customs related to African American funeral rites. A heartfelt, deeply invigorating portrait. This is highly recommended." - Video Librarian