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Trunyan - The village of silent souls

In the secluded village of Trunyan, on the shores of Lake Batur, death follows a path rarely seen elsewhere. The deceased are not buried nor cremated, but laid to rest beneath sacred trees, in silence and continuity. Through long term immersion and intimate dialogue with villagers and anthropologists, the film explores how ritual, belief, and memory shape a living relationship with death. Far from sensationalism, this documentary observes daily life, gestures, and words, revealing how an ancient funerary practice survives modern pressures. Trunyan becomes a mirror where life, loss, and dignity coexist, offering a profound reflection on humanity’s shared confrontation with mortality.

  • Damien LAFON
    Director
  • Damien LAFON
    Writer
  • Damien LAFON
    Producer
  • Terra Cultura Media
    Producer
  • Florian LAFON
    Key Cast
  • Aura CANELA
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Runtime:
    19 minutes 32 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 5, 2026
  • Production Budget:
    1,500 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    France
  • Country of Filming:
    Indonesia
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Full HD (4k on demand)
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Damien LAFON

Damien Lafon is a French documentary photographer and filmmaker based in Southeast Asia for over fifteen years. Through his work, he explores the intersection of culture, environment and human transmission across Indonesia and Borneo.
Founder of Terra Cultura, an independent documentary platform, he began his career in photography before transitioning into filmmaking with Trunyan – The Village of Silent Souls, his first documentary film as director.
His work combines observational storytelling, visual precision and a deep respect for local communities. Trunyan marks the beginning of his cinematic journey and reflects his ongoing commitment to documenting living traditions with dignity and presence.immersive storytelling to connect scientific knowledge, lived experience, and visual narratives distributed internationally.

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Director Statement

My work is driven by immersion, listening, and time. I believe documentary practice requires trust, patience, and responsibility. Through photography and film, I aim to preserve fragile cultures, support knowledge transmission, and create visual archives that respect the people and environments represented.