Death is an Asshole at Friedrichsforum: A documentary about farewell and life courage
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An uncompromising film about farewells, grief, and the art of living
The documentary film series Realities presents the documentary Death is an Asshole by Michael Schwarz at the Friedrichsforum Bayreuth. On December 14, 2026, the camera follows the funeral director Eric Wrede and his team in their unusual, empathetic, and directly confrontational work with the deceased and their relatives.
Between crematorium, living room, and mourning conversation
The documentary, created in 2025, leads to crematoria, talks with mourners, and living rooms full of memories. The exhibition atmosphere of an art presentation gives way to focused cinematic perception: light, spaces, faces, and gestures form a cinematic exploration of farewell culture, dignity, and human closeness.
A portrait beyond rigid rituals
Eric Wrede is considered Germany's most unconventional funeral director. Together with his team, he accompanies people through the time of farewell – directly, warmly, and without false solemnity. The film explores how personal memorial services can arise and what significance self-determination has in dealing with death.
Humor as access to a societal taboo
Michael Schwarz combines observational documentary filmmaking with a life-affirming perspective. Between pain, closeness, and dry humor, a portrait emerges that does not sugarcoat death but gives it a place in life again. The film gains a special dramatic intensity through the story of an acquaintance suffering from cancer who plans her own funeral.
Art historical and social classification
As a documentary form, the film combines social observation, portrait, and essayistic reflection. Its aesthetics arise not from staged effects but from the careful observation of everyday rituals. This presentation opens a space for cultural education and an aesthetic experience in which questions of memory, care, and social change become visible.
Conclusion: A moving art experience in the cinema
Visitors can expect an intense art experience about grief, dying, and the dignity of farewell. Death is an Asshole stimulates artistic contemplation and personal reflection without imposing simple answers on the audience. Those seeking cultural education, demanding documentary film, and an unusual perspective on life should experience this presentation live at the Friedrichsforum.
Official channels of Eric Wrede:
- Instagram: no official profile found
- Facebook: no official profile found
- YouTube: no official profile found
- Website: no official profile found
