Filmed: 23rd November 2021

An incredibly atmospheric and thought-provoking final entry to our 2021 film series, “Memento Mori” is a lamenting farewell to an iconic local landmark in the Fens, Mepal Outdoor Centre.

The secrecy surrounding this local asset was unprecedented with the general public kept in the dark until crematorium plans were at an advanced stage despite being lead to believe that efforts were ongoing to reopen the centre in the interest of leisure and recreation.

The fate of Mepal Outdoor Centre was clearly sealed and the views of local communities irrelevant - East Cambridgeshire District Council wanted a Crematorium on this site and nothing would deter them.

In December 2021, the outdoor centre was demolished despite the council's proposal for a crematorium not having officially been granted approval or planning permission.

The film was initially titled "The Penultimate Hour" but it felt a little 'on the nose' so we renamed it "Memento Mori" (Latin for "Remember you must die").

The new title encapsulates the essence of this film in a poetic double entendre.

The powers that be were determined to see the death of the buildings on this site and the Latin phrase also references the very business of a crematoria ... death.

We're all moving ever closer to it (death) but quality of life and the benefits to be had from a centre of recreation and leisure in an area of natural beauty are deemed less important and less profitable than disposing of what remains of us when we pass.

Many scenes are open to interpretation by the viewer - where one may perceive ugliness, beauty can be found by another.

But, what cannot be overlooked is the abandonment and neglect at the hands of ECDC.

Ultimately we celebrate a venue that was enjoyed by so many since the 1980s and one which played host even after it officially closed it's doors back in 2017 - most notably the Christmas Day rave in 2018 when 200+ party goers descended upon the venue.

"Dust to Dust"

Camera Operator: Drew Berry
Camera: Bolex Paillard 150
Film Stock: Kodak Vision3 250T
Film Transfer: On8Mil
Film Grading: Rudolf Griva

Special thanks to Jonny Simpson for his assistance on location.