'Uyuni'
Summary
Henry shared “Uyuni” with me early in production, and I instantly knew I had to create the video for it. As the first release from his upcoming album Familiarity, alongside “Outside,” it set the tone for what was to come.
The concept came naturally—I had a clear vision of the video’s look and feel. The challenge was bringing that vision to life on a limited budget while capturing the song’s expansive and euphoric essence.
With a small but talented team, including Hattie Ellis as DoP, Bakani Pick-Up as the interpretive dancer, and Cam Sander as colourist, we crafted a visual homage to the salt flats of Uyuni, Bolivia. “Uyuni” celebrates the seamless connection between earth and sky, using dance, colour, and composition to echo the ethereal beauty of the natural world.
Client
Henry Green
Akira Records
Commissions
Creative Direction
Producer
Director
Editor
The Concept
In the early dawn, the camera frames water and reflections, introducing interpretive dancer Bakani preparing for his performance in the ‘Familiarity’ costume.
His fluid movements mirror water ripples, symbolizing Earth-sky connection. The Bridge scene shows Bakani’s skyward-reaching gestures, reflecting unity, leading to a water leap reflecting an inner journey.
Amidst climactic music, Bakani’s final pose embodies Earth-sky fusion. Leaping against the vast sky, he becomes one with it. The serene outro focuses on lyrics, ambient sounds, and the expansive location. As Bakani’s presence endures, the video fades, invoking awe for the tangible and intangible bond.
Starring
Bakani Pick-Up
Director of Photography
Harry Knight
Colourist
Cam Sander
Locations
Prime Studios Leeds
Fewston, Yorkshire Moors