‘The Shadow of the Sun’ explores Derek Jarman’s fascination with alchemical processes, using them as a metaphor for transforming Super-8 film. Jarman once referred to the combination of light and matter in film as “an alchemical conjunction” and throughout his career, he experimented with creating dreamlike symbolism by layering images and actions. Initially titled English Apocalypse, the film’s final name is inspired by a 17th-century alchemical text that used the phrase to describe the philosopher’s stone—a legendary substance believed to turn ordinary metals into gold and silver. The film was conceived as a step towards the concept of ambient video, intended to enhance an environment much like ambient music does.