Tender

Filmmaker Lynette Wallworth presents a warm and memorable view of an Australian community's distinctive consideration of matters involving life and death. In the New South Wales town of Port Kembla, the local council decides to create their own nonprofit funeral business, an unlikely endeavor spurred by concerns over the rising costs of funerals, coupled with the perceived indifference that many feel funeral homes exhibit toward grieving clients. After organizing the Community Funerals Steering Committee, the council researches uncomfortable subjects, including whether it is more appropriate to keep the deceased's body at home or store it at a funeral parlor. But the philosophical and organizational aspects of this venture are interrupted when the council's caretaker is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Following this sad development, Tender chronicles how the council members assist their beloved caretaker during the final stretches of his life. A touching and sincere film about end-of-life issues, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)