Tukdam: Between Worlds

This feature documentary explores a phenomenon that blurs life and death to an unprecedented degree. In what Tibetan Buddhists call ‘tukdam’, advanced meditators die in a consciously controlled manner. Though dead according to our biomedical standards, they often stay sitting upright in meditation. Remarkably, their bodies remain fresh and lifelike, without signs of decay for days, sometimes weeks after clinical death. Following ground-breaking scientific research into tukdam and taking us into intimate death stories of Tibetan meditators, the film juxtaposes scientific and Tibetan perspectives as it tries to unravel the mystery of ‘tukdam’.

Festivals and Awards

Galway Film Fleadh | Official Selection
Helsinki International Film Festival | Official Selection
Mill Valley Film Festival | Official Selection
Dharamshala International Film Festival | Official Selection
DocPoint Tallinn | Official Selection

Reviews and More

‘An inspiring and moving film.’ - Adele Tomlin, Tricycle.org