OUROBOROS – A Short Film About Grief, Memory, and Letting Go

Hi, I’m Ryker Carpenter—filmmaker, photographer, and storyteller based in Phoenix, Arizona. I’ve spent years exploring human emotion through the lens of photography and now I’m returning to my first love: filmmaking. Ouroboros is my most personal project to date, and I’m asking for your help to bring it to life.

Why This Film? Why Now?

Ouroboros was born from a question that’s haunted me: What if we could relive the moments we lost someone, again and again—until we finally learned to let them go?

This short film is a cinematic exploration of grief, the looping nature of memory, and the painful beauty of acceptance. It’s a science fiction drama, but more than that, it’s a deeply human story about love, loss, and the courage it takes to move forward.

As a creator, I want this film to offer comfort to anyone who has ever felt stuck in the past. I believe storytelling—especially through film—has the power to transform grief into something meaningful.

What Is the Film About?

Ouroboros follows James, a grieving man who ventures into the Sonoran Desert to scatter the ashes of his late wife, Emily. But instead of closure, he finds a strange metallic object—one that pulls him into a time loop where he must relive their final moments over and over. Each loop brings him closer to the truth he’s been avoiding: he can’t change the past, but he can choose how to live with it.

The film will be visually striking, with a desaturated orange and teal color palette, dreamlike transitions, and a haunting original score. Think Arrival meets Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind—a grounded sci-fi story with emotional weight and poetic visuals.

Why Crowdfunding?

Creating a film—especially one with practical effects, location shoots, and a professional crew—takes resources. With your help, we’ll be able to fund:

• Production costs – Camera gear, lighting, audio, grip, transportation, and meals.

• Crew – Paying our talented cast and crew fairly for their time and expertise.

• Locations – Securing our key settings: a suburban home and the Arizona desert.

• Post-production – Editing, color grading, original score, sound design, and visual effects.

• Festival submissions – Sharing this film with audiences who need it most.

This is an indie production through and through. Every dollar will go directly into making Ouroboros the most powerful version of itself.

Rewards for Backers

We’re offering tiered rewards to thank you for your support, including:

• Behind-the-Scenes Access – Exclusive production updates, storyboards, and commentary.

• Name in the Credits – Your name immortalized in the film you helped create.

• Executive Producer Credit – For those who go above and beyond to make this film happen.

Every tier brings you closer to the creative process. You're not just funding a film—you’re joining a journey.

You Are the Hero of This Story

Film is a collaborative art. Though I may be directing Ouroboros, it won’t exist without you. Whether you’re contributing $5 or $500, you’re helping bring something meaningful into the world. You're helping create a story that speaks to the pain of loss and the hope of healing.

This isn’t just my story—it’s ours. And I can’t wait to share it with you.

Let’s make something unforgettable.

With gratitude,
Ryker Carpenter
Writer & Director – Ouroboros