When I Die : Lessons from the Death Zone

In "When I Die" Philip Gould shares his thoughts and insights as he confronts his impending death from oesophageal cancer. How do we approach death whilst embracing life? How can we change the conversation around death and palliative care for the terminally ill? Please share this film and join the conversation #WhenIDie. Philip believed that for the terminally ill and those close to them, there can be moments of joy, resolution and inspiration just as intense as those of fear, discomfort and sadness.

Filmed during the last 2 weeks of Philip's life, this intimate portrait reveals his quest to find purpose and meaning in what he called "The Death Zone". He had been diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus in 2008 and was given three months to live in the summer of 2011.

Philip Gould's book, "When I Die: Lessons from the Death Zone" is published in the UK by Little Brown. Proceeds from the book will go to the National Oesophago-Gastric Cancer Fund (donations to http://www.justgiving.com/nogcf ) and the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity (donations to http://www.royalmarsden.org/philipgould )


DIRECTOR AND PHOTOGRAPHER : Adrian Steirn EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Matthew Freud & Elisabeth Murdoch PRODUCER: Nicola Howson ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: Harriet Pratten DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Damon Hyland VIDEO EDITOR: Benjamin Haskins CINEMATOGROPHY: Richard Gregory, Oran O'Reilly, James Suter COLOUR: Leon Visser GRAPHICS: Zee Muller BEHIND THE SCENES PHOTOGRAPHY: Gary Van Wyk SCREENWRITER: Andy Ellis PRODUCTION ASSISTANT: Emily Forbes

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  People & Blogs

[mxx312]

I don't worry about dying.... when I die, I will not give a shit about anything... I will be dead...

[TheCitygal87]

Well, it's not the fear of my own death I have issue with, it's the fear of losing someone I love, friends, family etc, my own death sentence is nothing I care much about, as long as my family will take it in a good way and continue to live happy, I guess I live for my family and friends rather then living for myself and my own happiness. Cheers

[Lance Cordill]

Mentioned in the book, "20,000 Days And Counting", by Robert D. Smith. I found the film very powerful as I confront personal challenges in 2013 that seriously needed to be addressed 20-years ago. Thank you, Phillip Gould and every being involved with this project.

[dogbreath34]

Rest in Peace, Phillip Gould. 

[macmackiemac]

If you're not scared of death, why would you want to "destroy death once and for all"?

Seems like two conflicting statements.

Can you please exercise a little compassion?

Nobody really cares about your views; we came here to watch Philip's story, not your obnoxious opinions.

[lkofron]

I read his book today in one sitting. It is immensely moving, honest and raw. RIP Philip Gould.

[MrBoxmanX]

Long journey!

[MrBoxmanX]

Why are 130 people subscribed to him?

[Edithosaure]

Beautiful. May I ask what is the name of the last song that we hear in the film? Thank you.

[Andrew Ku]

If I die, I want to be cremated, then for my remains to be tied to balloons then set free on top of a mountain.

[rumi471]

Biggest blessing to move to eternity is with calm mind .....