Kenneth Ring documentary to premiere at IANDS conference in Bellevue

A new documentary on near-death experience pioneer Kenneth Ring will debut Aug. 26 in Bellevue, Washington, during the International Association for Near-Death Studies annual conference. The screening will be paired with a talk by Betty Eadie and features interviews with major figures in near-death research.

Why it matters: - The film spotlights Kenneth Ring’s role in helping shape near-death experience research and public discussion around death, consciousness and spirituality. - The premiere also serves as a centerpiece for IANDS’ 2026 annual conference, which brings together researchers, authors and experiencers in one setting. - The event adds another high-profile platform for near-death studies at a time when interest in the field remains active across books, conferences and media.

What happened: - A 75-minute biopic, "Kenneth Ring: How a Foremost Near-Death Experience Research Pioneer Expanded Our Lives," will premiere Wednesday, Aug. 26 at 8:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency in Bellevue, Washington. - The screening will take place during the opening evening of the International Association for Near-Death Studies 2026 Annual Conference. - The film will honor Ring as the 2026 Bruce Greyson Award recipient for his lifetime research in near-death studies. - Betty Eadie, author of "Embraced by the Light," will speak just before the screening in an on-stage interview with Kimberly Clark Sharp, who founded IANDS’ local Seattle group.

The details: - Ring wrote books including "Heading Toward Omega" and "Lessons from the Light." - Kenneth Ring served as a psychology professor at the University of Connecticut. - Ring co-founded IANDS and served as the founding editor of the Journal of Near-Death Studies. - The film includes interviews with IANDS co-founders Raymond Moody, M.D., Ph.D.; Bruce Greyson, M.D.; Michael Sabom, M.D.; and John Alexander, Ph.D., along with Ring. - Additional interviews feature Janice Miner Holden, Ed.D., Chase DeMayo and several people who have had near-death and spiritually transformative experiences. - Vivenne Somers wrote, produced and directed the film. - Three-time Emmy winner Sam Aronson served as executive producer and provided creative direction. - IANDS President Evan Mecham said Ring helped transform society’s view of life, death and what comes after, and said the film will inform and entertain people interested in near-death studies. - Eadie is among the earliest people to share a near-death experience publicly and broadly, following her 1973 experience after routine surgery. - Eadie’s 1992 book described that experience and her return with a transformed outlook, including no fear of death and a message centered on unconditional love. - Eadie will open a keynote lineup that also includes Anita Moorjani, Eben Alexander, Helané Wahbeh, Vera Spillner and Alex Ferrari. - IANDS describes itself as a Durham, North Carolina-based educational nonprofit focused on responsible, multidisciplinary exploration of near-death and similar experiences. - The organization says it is the only membership group of its kind with local groups around the world. - Conference registration for Wednesday evening only, including Eadie’s talk and the film premiere, is $35. - Full conference registration is $499 and includes five days of programming, an opening reception, snacks and a closing party. - The conference also includes an exhibit floor, bookstore, Healing Center and additional workshops. - Registration is available through the conference site. - IANDS provided social media links for LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Between the lines: - The pairing of a documentary premiere with Eadie’s appearance suggests IANDS is using recognizable names to draw both longtime researchers and broader audiences. - The event also reinforces how near-death studies continues to build its own institutions, publishing platforms and conference circuit. - The speaker list mixes medical professionals, researchers, authors and public figures, showing the field’s cross-disciplinary and public-facing character.

What’s next: - The documentary will debut at the Bellevue conference on Aug. 26. - Eadie’s talk will begin the evening before the screening and lead into the conference’s broader slate of sessions and speakers. - IANDS will continue its five-day annual conference with workshops, exhibits and closing events after the premiere night.

The bottom line: - The conference is turning Ring’s legacy into a marquee event, while using Betty Eadie and a roster of well-known speakers to broaden the draw beyond academic near-death research.