When we think of an obituary, the first reaction is often melancholy, lamenting the passing of a loved one or a cultural icon. However, for the small group of obituary writers at The New York Times the job is to celebrate the life of a person while also dealing with death in a balancing act. The goal is to acknowledge the death, but focus on the accomplishments and deeds, whether honorable or nefarious, and the life of the person being remembered. This form of documentary storytelling weaves together a lifelong history of accomplishments culminating in the person’s death, and the obit team at The New York Times has been heralded as one of the best at doing just that. The film is the first of its kind to deal with obituaries, and it asks important questions about mortality, fear of death, and how to be remembered after we are gone. OBIT not only focuses on the writing process of the obituary, but it even gives the viewer a look at The New York Times century-old archive of obituaries run by archivist Jeff Roth. OBIT is a recipient of a 2015 NYSCA Artist Grant, and received support from IFP and Made In NY Media Center.
Directed by Vanessa Gould
Running Time 1 hr 33 mins
Rating NR
Thursday, July 6 - 7:30 P*
Saturday, July 15 - 10:30 A**
*Post-screening film discussion with Peter Mascuch
**Post-screening film discussion with Jennifer Gagliardi
Thursday Jul 6, 2017
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM EDT
Thursday, July 6 - 7:30 P*
Saturday, July 15 - 10:30 A**
The Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center, 20 Terry Street (one block South of Main Street), Patchogue, NY 11772
General Admission: $9 * Students: $7 * Members: $6 * Children (12 & Under): $5
Box office: (631) 438-0083
Send Email