Passing Through

A documentary feature film coming in 2026 from Smile Films.

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ABOUT THE FILM

Passing Through is a feature-length documentary film that explores death and dying through the transformative story of Michelle Wulfesteig, a two-time stroke survivor whose near-death experience became a divine calling to serve those at the end of life. Through Michelle’s work in hospice care, and the work of the Crestone End of Life Project - a non-profit operating the only legal, public funeral pyre in the U.S. - the film reveals how accepting death allows us to live more fully, with courage, compassion, and purpose.


Designed for theatrical release and global distribution via a major streaming platform, this film aims to reach a wide audience with a bold and timely message: embracing mortality is essential to living fully.

Top left: A young woman and an elderly woman in a wheelchair holding hands, outdoors on a porch. Top right: A signpost with the word 'PYRE' and an arrow, against a mountainous background under a clear sky. Bottom left: Black and white photo of an overturned vehicle with smoke, and a group of people watching in the background. Bottom right: A woman with curly hair holding an elderly woman in bed, the elderly woman looking at her, with a floral lei around her neck.

Production began in 2022 and will wrap in early 2026. By the end of that year, we’ll complete post-production and submit to major film festivals, with plans for a theatrical release followed by distribution on a major streaming platform.

To bring this vision to life, we’re inviting supporters like you to join our journey. Your donation directly supports our ability to finish filming, complete post-production, and secure the distribution opportunities this story deserves.

We are currently seeking and offering:

  • Tax deductible donations via our 501 (c)(3) fiscal sponsor

  • Social impact investors aligned with meaningful, widely distributed storytelling

  • Executive Producer opportunities for major contributors

PRODUCTION STATUS & ENGAGEMENT

VIEW GIVING LEVELS & OPPORTUNITIES
A collage of six images: an elderly woman with glasses, a man playing a flute outdoors, a group of women singing in a room, a woman speaking in an office, a black and white close-up of a man with glasses with eyes closed, and two women examining a large rock outdoors.

THE FILMMAKERS

Brett Nicoletti | Director
Haley Geffen | Producer
Josh Julian | Producer

Brett Nicoletti | Director

Haley Geffen | Producer

Katherine Smith-Tran | Producer

Josh Julian | Producer

Katherine Smith-Tran | Producer

Adam Asdel | DOP

Adam Asdel | DOP

“People put so much value on longevity of life. But from the minute you’re born, you’re already moving towards your death. and so, we’re all dying.”

MICHELLE WULFESTEIG | Executive Director, Southern California Hospice Foundation