Discovering Trunyan’s Ancient Funeral Traditions
On the shores of Lake Batur in Bali, Trunyan preserves one of Indonesia’s most distinctive funerary traditions. Unlike most Balinese communities, certain deceased villagers are neither buried nor cremated. Instead, their bodies are placed in a designated burial area, following ancestral customs passed down through generations. This practice reflects a cultural relationship with death shaped by local beliefs and traditions.
Trunyan – The Village of Silent Souls is a documentary exploring the community’s relationship with death, spirituality and cultural identity. Through intimate observations, the film introduces the people who preserve these traditions. Moreover, it moves beyond funeral practices to explore the human stories behind these customs.
Life, Death and Cultural Heritage in Bali
In Trunyan, ancestral beliefs continue to influence everyday life and the community’s relationship with death. Located beside Lake Batur, the village maintains cultural practices deeply connected to its history and natural surroundings. However, the documentary does not approach these traditions as an unusual spectacle. Instead, it focuses on the people who preserve them and their place within the community.
Through daily activities, conversations and moments of silence, the film presents an intimate portrait of local life. Furthermore, it explores themes of memory, cultural transmission and relationships between generations. Filmed over an extended period, the project was developed with the full consent and participation of the community. As a result, the documentary offers a perspective shaped by observation, patience and human connection.
Trunyan Documentary: A Story of Respect and Human Connection
Through observational cinematography, natural sound and restrained storytelling, Trunyan – The Village of Silent Souls presents an intimate cultural portrait. Rather than focusing exclusively on death, the film examines how traditions influence community life and collective memory. Meanwhile, the landscapes surrounding Lake Batur provide a natural setting for this exploration of cultural continuity.
Ultimately, this Trunyan documentary invites viewers to reflect on different understandings of death, belonging and the passage of time. It also highlights the importance of listening, observing and approaching cultural traditions with respect.
Film Credits
Director: Damien Lafon
Production: Terra Cultura
Camera Assistant: Florian Lafon
Post-production: Aura Canela
With: Dr. Ni Wayan Pasek Ariati and Wayan Cipta
Awards & Recognition
8 International Film Awards
Official Selection – Bali International Film Festival (Balinale 2026)
Watch the Full Documentary
Discover the complete story of Trunyan – The Village of Silent Souls. The full documentary is available to watch and purchase on Gumroad.
Watch the Full Film on Gumroad
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