Mepasah: An Exploration of the Death Ceremony in Terunyan Village, Bali Through the Medium of Documentary Film

Abstract

This study examines the Mepasah tradition in Terunyan Village, Bali, a unique mortuary practice in which the deceased are placed in the open air beneath the sacred Taru Menyan tree. As an intangible cultural heritage of the Bali Aga community, this tradition remains under-documented and faces the risk of erosion due to globalization. Data collection methods included literature review, interviews with local priests, direct observation, and the application of the Glass Box method for visual design. The findings demonstrate that documentary film serves as both a medium for cultural preservation and an effective educational tool, particularly for younger generations, who are more engaged with visual media. Beyond safeguarding local identity, the film also contributes to sustainable tourism promotion by introducing Balinese indigenous wisdom to a global audience. The documentary has been donated to the Batur Geopark Museum (UNESCO Global Geopark) as an educational and cultural preservation resource. This study highlights how the integration of cinematographic techniques and anthropological approaches can produce works that are simultaneously scientific and artistic, ensuring the relevance of cultural conservation in the modern era.