Almost Heaven

A deeply personal documentary set against the unusual backdrop of a Chinese funeral home that follows the story of Ying, a teenager for whom this place represents a first job, friendship, and also boredom. Ying Ling is only 17 years old and works in one of China's largest funeral homes, where she and her peers learn the precise work of washing the dead and arranging the funeral ceremony. Early years of life intermingle with the end of life and the painful emotions of relatives. Ying, however, remains a teenage girl with all the joys and sorrows this brings. She takes time to play video games, experiences first love, but also a painful separation from her parents and a fear of ghosts. Can these different worlds merge into one?