Filmmaker Marilyn Schlitz to Screen Death Makes Life Possible in Tehachapi on Oct. 28

Marilyn Schlitz, a filmmaker and author who teaches transpersonal psychology at Sophia University, will screen her documentary Death Makes Life Possible in Tehachapi on Oct. 28 as part of the Eclectic Film Series curated by Andy Hicks.

The film will be shown at Fiddler's Crossing; doors open at 6:30 p.m. for a reception with live music and the screening begins at 7 p.m. Organizers ask for a $10 donation at the door. Schlitz and her husband, musician Giovanni Mandala — who composed the film’s score — are scheduled to remain after the screening for a conversation with the audience.

Why it matters: Schlitz’s project combines interviews with scientists, spiritual teachers and cultural practitioners about mortality and grief and is paired with educational materials used in health‑care settings. In the podcast interview with Hicks and co‑host Bailey Damien, Schlitz described the project as both a documentary and a companion book and learning program that, she said, can measurably reduce anxiety when people engage in conversations about death.

Schlitz summarized the film’s origins in the podcast interview: “I was at a workshop with doctor Deepak Chopra … and after the presentation, Deepak called me in and he's like, Marilyn, let's make a movie. And I said, great.” She said fundraising and production then took “a couple of years” and that the project broadened into a suite of resources including a book, learning guides and a podcast series.

The documentary brings together perspectives from multiple faiths and traditions, Schlitz said, and includes interviews ranging from physicians to a Muslim imam and a Sufi practitioner. The film opens with the story of physician Lee Lipsenthal, who wrote Enjoy Every Sandwich and shared his experience with dying, Schlitz said. She also noted the project’s research component, saying program evaluations measured reductions in anxiety for participants who engaged with guided conversations about death.

Hicks, the series’ host and creator, said on the podcast that he seeks to highlight local creative talent and bring diverse programming to Tehachapi. “This is so perfect,” Hicks said of the Schlitz screening. Co‑host Bailey Damien encouraged attendance and noted the local opportunity to see the filmmaker and ask questions after the showing.

Event details and tickets: organizers recommend arriving early for seating and the pre‑screening music; a $10 donation will be collected at the door. Schlitz’s website (marilynschlitz.com) and searches for the film title, Death Makes Life Possible, were provided on the podcast for additional information. Schlitz also pointed listeners to related offerings — a companion book, learning guides for health professionals and a podcast series — but did not provide ticketing through an online vendor during the interview.

Background on the film: Schlitz said she filmed interviews across traditions and locations with the aim of normalizing conversations about mortality and supporting “elegant aging.” She described methods featured in her research such as the psychomanteum, an approach that invites participants into an altered state to facilitate conversations with deceased loved ones, and cited measured benefits in grief and anxiety reduction in accompanying studies. The documentary previously has screened internationally and received awards, Schlitz said.

Questions and follow up: Schlitz and Hicks said the screening will include time for audience questions; attendees were invited to note points of curiosity during the film for the post‑screening discussion. The podcast directed questions to media@tehachapicityhall.com for follow up.

Tickets and contact: doors 6:30 p.m.; screening 7 p.m.; Fiddler's Crossing; $10 suggested donation at door; search “Death Makes Life Possible” or visit marilynschlitz.com for more information.