The Passing On 2020
"It's the end only if you let it be the end."
Nathan Clarke's intimate documentary *The Passing On (2020)* dives into the fading traditions of Black funeral embalming, tracing a lineage from slavery-era survival to modern craftsmanship.
Director: Nathan Clarke
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Passing On (2020) about?
*The Passing On (2020)* follows embalmer James Bryant as he tries to pass down his trade to a reluctant young intern, Clarence Pierre. Their story becomes a powerful exploration of legacy, tradition, and belonging within the Black community, set against the backdrop of a historic funeral home in San Antonio.
Who directed The Passing On?
The film was directed by Nathan Clarke, who crafts a visually and emotionally resonant documentary centered on craftsmanship and cultural identity.
Who stars in The Passing On?
The documentary features embalmer James Bryant and his intern Clarence Pierre as the central figures in this intimate narrative about tradition and change.
Is The Passing On (2020) worth watching?
With its short runtime and compelling themes, *The Passing On (2020)* offers a thoughtful look at cultural preservation and personal identity, making it worth watching for fans of documentaries and social commentary. Its intimate scope and emotional depth leave a lasting impression.
How long is The Passing On?
The film has a runtime of 70 minutes.
About The Passing On (2020) — A documentary on legacy, identity, and the weight of tradition
Nathan Clarke's intimate documentary *The Passing On (2020)* dives into the fading traditions of Black funeral embalming, tracing a lineage from slavery-era survival to modern craftsmanship. Set against the storied backdrop of San Antonio's oldest Black funeral home, the film follows renowned embalmer James Bryant as he seeks to pass down his sacred trade to a skeptical young intern, Clarence Pierre. Their evolving relationship becomes a lens into deeper questions of identity, legacy, and belonging—especially as Clarence grapples with the weight of tradition while navigating queerness and faith in a community that may not fully accept him. The atmosphere is both meditative and quietly urgent, blending reverence for the past with the raw, human struggles of those trying to carry it forward.
Bryant's unwavering belief in preservation clashes with Pierre's resistance, sparking a dialogue about progress versus preservation in a world that's rapidly changing. The documentary captures the quiet dignity of Bryant's work and the emotional toll Pierre faces as he confronts his place in this vanishing art form. With a runtime of just over an hour, *The Passing On (2020)* is a poignant exploration of heritage, calling viewers to reflect on what we leave behind—and who gets to decide its future.