The Tallyman (—)

The Tallyman (original title: Der Totengräber) is a controversial documentary film by German photographer and filmmaker Qadir Rached, also known as Dr. Death. The film serves as the first installment in his "Tallyman Trilogy," which explores themes of death, mortality, and the macabre through visual storytelling. Rached is well-known for his graphic photography depicting corpses and crime scenes, often sparking intense debate regarding artistic freedom versus ethical boundaries.

In this documentary, the director delves into his personal history with death, tracing his fascination back to childhood experiences and his work in funeral homes. The narrative combines autobiographical elements with visceral imagery, aiming to challenge the viewer's perception of life and decay. It was released in Germany in 2011, marking a significant moment in independent documentary cinema due to its unflinching subject matter.

• Director Qadir Rached previously gained notoriety for his book "The Last Minute" which featured graphic images of deceased individuals.
• The film is categorized as part of a trilogy that includes "Wasteland" (2012) and "Cremation" (2014), collectively examining different aspects of human mortality.
• It premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2011, where it attracted attention for its provocative content.
• The production relied heavily on Rached's own archival photographs and footage from his professional experiences as a mortician and photographer.