Ouroboros is a University of the Arts London graduation documentary.

We have a close-knit crew of five final year Film and TV students, looking for funding to ensure creative freedom and flexibility within this project.

We aspire to create a professional documentary encompassing the haven of Highgate Cemetery, an ethereal and world-famous location that provides peace in the city of London.

We are inspired by our own visits and personal connections to the cemetery and aim to share its history, stories and sense of community with a larger audience.

This project will be completed in May of 2026.

As well as the below head of departments, we have production manager Grace and colourist Dmytro (Dima) Pochkun. These are fellow final year students.

External to the university, we are very grateful to have our score composed by members of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Meet our crew below:

Our contributors:

Gordon: Our story will be narrated by Gordon, a tour guide who has been volunteering at the cemetery for eighteen years. He has an extensive knowledge on the history of the cemetery, stories of the peopled buried there and the symbolism within the stylistic choices of headstones.

Teucer: To discuss the artistic outlet that Highgate provides, we will speak to Teucer, a prominent sculptor, carver and designer. His work frequently takes him into Highgate cemetery, where he works on beautiful graves that encompass the deceased lives.

Sam: Sam is one half of Stark Strand, an award-winning garden design company. Sam will be able to comment on her work at Highgate, how she transforms areas of the cemetery with new life. She will also be able to comment on the meaning behind certain garden design choices and the symbolism of plants used in memorial gardens.

Themes:

-death

-heritage

-mortality

-memory

-nature

-inevitability

Narrative breakdown:

1. Introduction:

-title sequence that also defines Ouroboros

-poem to illustrate pessimistic views on death, layered on top of early morning shots of London

-introductory shots of Highgate, cold and dark mornings

-explore archival footage along with a voiceover from Gordon to introduce Highgate and its history

2. Explore Highgate as a greenspace and its use as an artistic outlet:

-introduce Sam to discuss the environment, preservation and botany

-introducer Teucer to bridge to third section on symbolism

-how does this change the publics perceptions on cemeteries?

3. Symbolism of graves and plants:

-what is the meaning behind the stylistic choices and symbolism of graves and plants used within Highgate?

-all 3 contributors involved

4. Round up:

-what does Highgate mean to the community?

-exhibit a more hopeful and optimistic view of death, cemeteries and grief

-end with positive poem to end cyclical structure

-credit sequence

Stylistic Approach:

A message from our DoP: I aim to capture the quiet beauty and seasonal character of Highgate Cemetery through a considered, observational visual approach. The camera will function as a passive presence within the landscape, positioned as if it were one of the trees or plants observing the environment rather than directing attention. Filming in winter allows for a focus on natural textures and details such as frost on stone, bare branches and diffused breath in cold air, captured through slow, controlled camera movement and predominantly locked-off or gently drifting shots. The opening of the documentary will be visually dark, cold, and restrained, utilising low-key lighting, shallow contrast, and cool grey-blue colour tones to establish an eerie and sombre atmosphere.

As the film progresses, the visual palette will gradually transition toward warmer colour temperatures, softer highlights and increased natural light, incorporating golden sunlight and subtle lens flares. This shift reflects the theme of acceptance and mirrors the poetic structure that frames the film. Early visuals feel closed and austere and later images open into warmth, light and calm. By aligning colour, light and movement with the rhythm of the poetry, the cinematography aims to support a reflective and meditative visual journey.

A message from our Sound Designer: I intend to incorporate dark and atmospheric sounds to capture the eerie and secluded nature of Highgate. This will include amplifying softer, natural sounds such as a raven cawing in the distance or an insect crawling over a dead leaf to immerse the viewer into the environment and nature. I will use sounds to bring life to the screen and take the viewer on a spiritual, meditative journey by focusing on the living, animated elements within the cemetery. Sounds may also be manipulated and heightened or rhythmically looped to become almost percussive, such as a wind chime or clink of an old gate or chain. Additionally, I will work closely with musicians to develop sparse, tingly, and delicate soundscapes of piano and low cello, or metallic tones to underscore mood without overwhelming the silence and natural sounds of the environment.

A message from our Director: I grew up from a culture where the supernatural is weaved into our everyday lives. Death, especially graveyards are areas that I was taught that I shouldn't venture into lightly, as we believe you would unknowingly invite a connection with something or someone. However, putting aside my fear, I realised if death is inevitable, why should we be scared of it but not accept that it's the cycle of life? Having the privilege to be able to film in Highgate Cemetery fuelled my passion for this project as I want to explore how a place of death and grievances, can inspire creativity and curiosity in life. I would have my talented crew by my side to shape our vision into a poetic documentary.

A message from our Editor: I will establish a slow, rhythmic pace to match the history and stillness of Highgate Cemetery. I intend to use lengthy shots and simple seamless transitions to immerse the viewer in an eye-opening journey, balancing observational scenes with close ups and archival. My goal is to create a visual narrative that strongly showcases the sound and emphasises the poetics, timelessness and ethereal atmosphere of the environment.

Our final message to you:

You may be wondering where you fit into this.

With your help, we will have more financial freedom with our creative decisions in order to successfully fulfil our plans for production. The project will definitely be completed as it is our graduation project.

We film in February and deliver in May.

Your much appreciated donations will fund our travel and tickets into the cemetery. Highgate is not free to visit and ticket prices help with the thousands of pounds needed every year for its conservation.

We also want to thank the contributors that work at Highgate, compensating them for travel and food when they film with us. Our budget will afford our festival run, improving the docs reach and the experience of our crew members.