Documentaries & Filmed Interviews
TULPA – A Film by The Sycamore Brothers
The long awaited biopic/docudrama Tulpa tells the story of the true facts underlying the now legendary Highgate ‘vampire’ case which gripped north London with fear in the early 1970s. Tracing the early life of David Farrant, whose name has become synonymous with the case, the film explores the background of a man who, in his own words, ‘became a kind of story which people could read in bed on a Sunday morning’.
Several years of painstaking research and interviews have culminated in ‘Tulpa’ – a film in eight parts which captures the zeitgeist of 1960s and 1970s London, and reveals the man behind the myth.
The Vampire of Highgate (1982)
This video made by students from the North London Polytechnic in 1982, really portrays the early interest of the media in the infamous case of the ‘Highgate Vampire’, an unearthly apparition that was reported by many local residents. It includes candid interview archive footage of David Farrant, some vintage footage of Highgate Cemetery, as well as an exclusive sequence showing the performance of an occult ritual in his north London home. Look out for the sequence with David walking the perimeter of a previously cast circle in Highgate Wood, also!
Beyond the Highgate Vampire (1998)
This documentary, directed by Yoav Harel, features intimate interviews with David Farrant at his London flat. A sensitively paced short film, this piece captures its subject speaking candidly about the impact which his ‘nude rituals’ trial at the Old Bailey and subsequent imprisonment had upon his life, including the damage caused by the popular press of the day.
Demian Allen’s Paranormal World
David Farrant is interviewed for cable TV by well known astrologer and psychic Demian Allen, about events in his past, including his involvement in psychic investigations that have been the subject of so much controversy. As discussed, some of these got ‘a bit out of hand’, with the influence of the media in the early 1970s and beyond. David also expounds upon the empathic understanding he had since childhood of areas of the paranormal and the realm of ‘ghosts’ and ‘spirits’, and into the unseen world in which these supposedly dwell.
The Highgate Investigation (2003)
Directed by Rachel Hannah Tout, this student documentary focuses on the Highgate entity, and its possible connections to a leyline which runs through Highgate. It features footage of David Farrant giving a talk for The Secret Chiefs Pagan moot, as well as interviews at his home and some excellent location footage of some of the key locations upon the Highgate ley.
European TV Documentary about Luciferianism featuring David Farrant (1985)
Short film showing interview with David Farrant, President of the British Psychic and Occult Society, and excerpts from the performance of a Red Mass at his home in Highgate, London.
Strange Universe (1997)
A segment from the American TV series Strange Universe from 1997. Investigative reporter for the Evening Standard Luke Jennings gives his account of the historical events said to have occurred at Highgate Cemetery. US journalist Gavin Hayes also contributes, interviewing President of the British Psychic and Occult Society David Farrant about his experiences, in Highgate Cemetery itself. The American TV presenters concluded that it might be a point of interest that Bram Stoker had also visited Highgate prior to the publication of his famous novel Dracula. Also with contributions by academic specialist in gothic studies Tina Rath.
Twisted City Tales Featuring David Farrant
First televised by the Discovery Channel and immensely popular in the UK, Twisted City Tales reveals some mysteries surrounding the Highgate Vampire case. Featuring an interview with David Farrant who was central to the case, a vampire-like figure and other ghostly phenomenon which were reported in the area are discussed in context of the highly energised leylines which criss-cross this heavily haunted part of North London.
Vampires on Your Doorstep (2003)
Vampires on Your Doorstep was made by Jo Franklin in 2003, a university student.
Jo visited London for her film, and whilst here visited several ‘Vampire Clubs’, Groups, and authors to assist her in her project. Among these was President of the Highgate Vampire Society and the BPOS, David Farrant who was central to the infamous Highgate ‘vampire scare back in the early 1970s.
In Search of The Highgate Vampire (1997)
Shot in 1997, this film represents the first foray of the BPOS into independent film making. Directed and produced by BPOS stalwart Dave Milner in association with his then film company Darkhouse Productions, it rapidly became an underground cult classic through its distribution at ‘outsider’ outlets such as Forbidden Planet. Conceived during an era when the Highgate Vampire Society was at full flourish, and attracting the creative talents of goth icons such as Dee Monique, it is unashamedly infused with the camp-gothic sensibility of the decade.
In Search of the Truth – with Gareth J. Medway (2009)
Gareth J.Medway, author of the acclaimed ‘Lure of the Sinister’, goes in search of the truth, in this video interview with David Farrant. He deals with the true life events surrounding the Highgate Vampire case of the mid 1970′s with a no holds barred attitude.
Graveyard desecration, Satanism, Wicca, naked magical rituals, animal sacrifice and voodoo are discussed, as Gareth delves behind the headlines. David Farrant is put on the spot by Gareth’s line of questioning to tell once and for all what really happened and why. Filmed and directed by Dave Milner for and on behalf of The British Psychic and Occult Society.
