Anna Maria van 't Hek explores male vulnerability in the tender promo for Amsterdam-based R&B artist Cero Ismael. 

The film for Ismael's Sam is made up of stylised and sensitively performed vignettes, featuring the artist and his close friends and family. Focusing on depression and isolation, the film takes place in a confined environment, visually reflecting the themes of the track. 

Cero Ismael and Anna Maria van ‘t Hek collaborated closely on the concept and the execution - which ends with the artist’s real-life brother kissing his forehead to comfort him: an idea that Ismael himself suggested.

“When I first heard the song, I was immediately struck by Cero Ismael's beautiful voice and how his lyrics spoke of vulnerability," says van ‘t Hek. "My starting point for the music video was talking to him in a very frank way - he took me right into his life, his thoughts, and the situations he has found himself in. These conversations formed the basis for the concept.

Wonderfully executed, the video packs a real punch, and is a must watch.