What we’re about
Led by the Doyenne of Death, Gail Rubin, the Albuquerque Death Cafe is a safe, inviting forum for those who want to talk about death and dying. The objective of Death Cafe is “To increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives.” It’s all about an interesting, unstructured conversation – open and free-flowing with no specific agenda. The Death Cafe concept was started in the United Kingdom by Jon Underwood. He was influenced by the ideas of Swiss sociologist Bernard Crettaz, who started holding Cafe Mortel events in France and Switzerland. At these events, people come together in a relaxed, confidential and safe setting to discuss death, drink tea (or your favorite beverage) and eat delicious cake or cookies. Gail is the host of the "A Good Goodbye" radio and TV show (now available on DVD) and the website agoodgoodbye.com.
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Mortality Movie Night: Funeral Comedies Based on a True StoryFrench Funerals-Cremations, Albuquerque, NM
Death Cafe host Gail Rubin also hosts a TV series called Mortality Movies as well as Mortality Movie Nights. Watch a film related to end-of-life issues and stick around for discussion afterwards. These Movie Nights started in the living room at Gail's house, and grew to be so popular, they are now held in the chapel at French Funerals & Cremations at 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE, just east of Eubank.
For this Mortality Movie Night on June 24, attendees get a choice of three films we can watch, all comedic films involving funerals, and based on a true story! Send a message voting for your preferred film:
- Bernie (2011 – PG-13, 1 hr. 44 min.) In this comedy based on a true crime story, affable mortician Bernie Tiede strikes up a friendship with a wealthy widow that goes tragically wrong.
- Get Low (2009 – PG-13, 1hr. 43 min.) This film is based on a true story of a man who threw his own funeral party while he was still alive. Set in the 1930s, it provides a glimpse into the evolution of the funeral business and shows the elements of planning and implementing an unorthodox funeral.
- Grand Theft Parsons (2003 – PG-13, 1hr. 28 min.) is based on the true story of the hijacking of musician Gram Parson's body after his untimely death in 1973 from an overdose at the age of 26. His road manager Phil Kaufman steals the body to fulfill a pledge to set his spirit free in Joshua Tree National Park.
The event is free, popcorn and chocolate will be served! Hope to see you there!
