I Love My Job: The Gravedigger

When you think about a job that makes you happy, what comes to mind? Or rather, if you think of the ideal job in a general sense, what occupation and setting come to mind? An open office? Opportunities to travel? Warm climate? Mentally and physically invigorating?

Chances are most of us have a particular idea in mind of what would fulfill us career wise. Few would say “long hours, dirty, digging holes and dealing with dead bodies”. What is freedom to some people would be oppressive to others. Herein lies the documentary, I Love My Job: The Gravedigger

I Love My Job: The Gravedigger

 “I don’t understand people who wake up every day to go to a job they hate.” 

As Tony from Kingston Cemetery eloquently states in his interview “I don’t understand people who wake up every day to go to a job they hate“. The profession of grave digging is an oft misunderstood position. Grave diggers are not only on the margins of society in terms of career choices, they usually sit at the margins of the funeral profession. While they work with the dead, their interactions are typically viewed as minimal. Yet if you have been to a funeral recently you probably could not help but notice them. Once the casket has been dropped, while tears flow and people still stand, the grave diggers are shovelling dirt into the now occupied hole. Their roles put them within the circle of mourners, family and friends of the deceased. It is a job that requires tact, skill and emotional sensitivity.

In this short documentary film revealing the story and working practices of an often under celebrated profession, director Zac Davidson beautifully captures the world of the grave digger and his/her surroundings. Narrated by grave digger Tony, the short documentary tells the story of Tony’s relationship to his job and the people he deals with on a daily basis. At the core, this short leaves us with the lesson that life is what you make of it and you should try your best to do what makes you happy. Death professionals especially get weird looks and questions as to their motivations, but a fulfilling job is a fulfilling job. At just over 3 1/2 minutes, this short is a much watch!

Directed & Filmed by Zac Davidson

Narration by Tony from Kingston Cemetery.

Music by Fleetwood Mac ‘Man of the World’