Kids Talkin' About Death

When a loved one dies, the process of making the loss real can be a lonely and confusing experience. Surviving Death: Stories of Grief is about people negotiating a new relationship with life after losing a loved one. Seven people--parents, children, siblings, partners and friends--reveal how they have been affected by the death of someone close to them. The people profiled in Surviving Death come from different cultural backgrounds; they hope their stories will allow others to begin expressing and understanding their own grief. They speak about the pain and powerful emotions they have experienced, about their need to reassess values and relationships after a death, and about the ways they have found to survive their loss. Recognizing that there is no single or easy path to recovery, this video is a useful resource for those in grief and for those lending support to people who are grieving.

It is summer and Ludovic is invited to spend a few days at Grandpa's farm. The little teddy bear is delighted to see his grandfather again but is saddened at the thought that Grandma is no longer with them. Grandpa must be feeling very sad because he has kept all her things in her sitting room. Ludovic is fascinated by this room filled with mementos. After a moment's hesitation, decides to go in. He sees Grandma's portrait and hugs it. He keeps returning to her sitting room and, little by little, grows accustomed to the loss of his grandmother. Her portrait come to life for him. He is able to kiss her, hug her and feel her warm embrace. He puts on her favourite music and dance together for a last waltz. Ludovic - Visiting Grandpa, directed by animator Co Hoedeman, is a touching tale about the closeness and understanding between a grandfather and his little grandson who gradually learn to accept the death of the beloved grandmother. Daniel Lavoie's score heightens the emotional effect of the film.

Tom was 18 when he killed himself, leaving his family to deal with the anguish of his death. Remembering Tom explores the tragic aftermath of a young man's suicide and the painful impact on his family. We meet Tom's mother, father, sister and brother two years after his death. They convey how they have learned to live with, not "get over," Tom's suicide. Rachel, 17, describes how the event changed her life and how she coped with "the greatest pain anyone can imagine." She recounts overcoming her own suicidal thoughts in the months after her brother died. This documentary underscores a family's grief and bereavement following a suicide. Their strength and resilience provide hope that although we cannot always prevent such a tragedy, we can make choices about how to cope.