A fascinating inside look at the New York Times' obituary section, Obit. is one of the least morbid movies you can imagine. At its core is a group of reporters and editors far less interested in the circumstances of a person's death than in that person's life. Among the questions facing these writers every day is how can someone be captured in 500 or 1,000 words, and what does a person's life, no matter how short or long, how famous or obscure, mean to those of us left behind? Who "deserves" to have his or her obituary on the front page and who doesn't make the cut? Such questions are, well, life and death ones for this crew.

Flawlessly directed by Vanessa Gould, fluidly edited by Kristin Bye, and expertly scored by Joel Goodman, Obit. is a beautifully composed piece in its own right. Its insightful, funny and relatable cast of characters fill in the story. Who knew an existential journey inside the obituary pages would be so life affirming?

Vanessa Gould – Director (January 13 & 15 only)

William McDonald – Cast (January 13 & 15 only)