WHITE JOY

Documentary Short  | 25 m | 2020

The funeral ceremony is the last ritual of life. It marks the departure of a member of his family and society. When an elderly passed away is known as "White Joy". An ensemble of suona plays throughout the days of mourning. The sound is both joyful and full of sorrow. Joy signifies the completion of a life cycle and sadness for grieving the deceased.

This piece captures the last day of the funeral ceremony -the banquet, the procession and the burial. This is a profile into Dong people’s peculiar ritual, an idea on life and death, moral ethics, religion, family and social structure.

The circle of life: ending a life to continue life.

Director: Luis Cucenca Castro 

Producer: Jenny Chou

Associate Producer : Ruoyao Jane Yao