Cero Ismael 'Driving Round Looking For Unknown' by Folkert Verdoorn, Simon Becks
Rob Ulitski - 21st Jan 2025
Directing duo Folkert Verdoorn and Simon Becks direct a feat of cinematic era-twisting and genre-bending absurdity for Dutch R&B/hiphop artist Cero Ismael.
Verdoorn and Becks have set their video for Driving Round Looking For Unknown in an alternate reality, appearing to be in a war-torn town in Napoleonic times, with touches of futuristic tech. In this gritty world, Ismael is portrayed as a disfigured unfortunate, dragged along by a carriage through the streets - but which is pulled by drones, which throws the setting into the realm of a steampunk sci-fi reality.
The result is both playful and thought-provoking as we follow Cero's uncertain progress through this textured, gritty yet anachronistic, sci-fi tinged world. It's a breathtaking introduction to the fertile imagination of Verdoorn and Becks - and attention-grabbing vehicle for Ismael.
"At its heart is the idea of alienation - a monster, like an artist, often feels out of place," the directors explain. "Turning the artist into a monster felt like the perfect way to explore this theme of not belonging."
"We leaned into the absurdity, playing with humour and contrast, because why not? When we joke around, we inevitably end up with some ridiculous peepee and poopoo moments. It might not be highbrow, but it’s us, and it works.
"This video is our way of asking: what does it mean to belong? And what happens when you feel like you don’t? The answers aren’t simple, but we believe the journey should be as playful as it is profound."
Rob Ulitski - 21st Jan 2025
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Rob Ulitski - 21st Jan 2025