Secrets of Death

Everyone who is born must die, this is the law. And each of us has had an overwhelming experience of understanding, "I'm also going to die." What will happen when I am gone, each of us sooner or later asks himself this question. Russian scientists have recorded an energy of unknown origin that is released after the death of a person, which gave them reason to assume that bodily death is not the end, but rather a transition from one state to another. But what will that state be? What awaits us on the other side? Oblivion? Another life? Or something else? If this became known for certain, how would this knowledge affect our lives? Would our deeds, attitude towards people, actions change?

Directed by Anastasiya Popova, Secrets of Death leans on a strong ensemble — Sergey Chonishvili, Marina Daynovets, Dmitri Polonsky — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about documentary titles of 2009.