A new short film about a festival of love and loss in Weston-super-Mare has been launched, focusing on the societal reluctance to discuss death and bereavement.

This comes as Kim Leadbeater's bill on assisted dying is being discussed in the House of Commons.

The film, released on November 29, showcases last month's 'Good Grief Weston', a festival created by Super Culture, the University of Bristol, and the Weston-super-Mare Community Network.

It aimed to challenge the 59 per cent of UK adults who feel that society does not discuss death and dying enough, and many people who feel unsure about how to support the bereaved.

Professor Lucy Selman, from the University of Bristol, said: "We started Good Grief Festival to provide opportunities for people to come together and talk, reflect, and learn about grief and death.

"Through normalising and presenting different perspectives on these subjects, we hope to encourage connection and reduce social isolation towards the end of life and in bereavement."

The festival featured more than 30 events across North Somerset, engaging people from all walks of life in a creative programme designed to spark inclusive conversations.

The activities ranged from immersive theatre, music, film, and book clubs, to gardening, cooking, and talks from health professionals.

Dan Aldridge, MP for Weston-super-Mare, said: "As part of the Good Grief Weston festival, I hosted a consultation event at Weston Museum about assisted dying in partnership with Weston Hospicecare, where many people from all walks of life shared a range of poignant and heartfelt stories and viewpoints.

"We heard from those providing compassionate end of life care, to individuals with terminal illness and families who have faced difficult final moments with their loved ones.

"The debate surrounding assisted dying is one of the most challenging issues we face as a society, touching on deeply held beliefs about life, death, and human dignity.

"Good Grief Weston highlighted how creative events can frame a non-judgemental space to talk about these difficult and emotionally charged social issues."

The festival is also committed to providing support for those in need, with Weston Hospicecare partnering to provide ‘Listening Ears’, safe spaces at each event.

John Bailey, Weston Hospicecare's director of patient services, said: "Why is it we find it so difficult to talk to each other about what worries we have about dying and those left behind?

"Good Grief Weston events, including the discussion on assisted dying, has helped people to feel empowered and confident to talk about death, to ask questions of each other."

Tickets and more information at superculture.org.uk/listings/after-all-by-solene-weinachter/.