What do you need the words for?

The song is a personal narrative, but also an invitation/challenge to discover a distinctive woman — woman in her multiple forms. For the overall concept of this film, I was drawn to combining photography and cinema, to a ‘chase’ of images and techniques.

The setting we chose for the video is the historic Barbican complex in London. Within this unique setting, brutalist architecture combines concrete surfaces with hidden gardens and abundant greenery. This striking contrast between hard concrete and elements of nature reflects the vulnerability and resilience, melancholy and hope that lie at the heart of the song. Through layered portraits, reflections, architectural details and recurring elements of nature, the woman’s presence is gradually revealed, inviting the viewer to enter her inner world.

Drawing inspiration from the visual language of La Jetée and David Hockney’s photographic collages, I combined still images, photographic compositions and moving shots to create a fragmented yet intimate portrait of a woman moving through moments of contemplation, memory and rebirth.

Avoiding an expected literal interpretation of the lyrics, I approached the film as a poem in motion. The journey of the protagonist — and of the songwriter — begins with introspection and uncertainty and gradually moves towards self-awareness and jouissance. Fragments, transitions and fleeting glimpses form a cinematic collage. The technique invites a sensory relationship with the song, an experience through the act of ‘looking’ itself; how many associations and memories are born when we truly look someone in the eyes?”

Yiannis Katsaris

Music Video

Artistic direction & photography: Yiannis Katsaris
Styling: Matina Mavragani
Hair & make-up: Lubna Ashiblie (Lubby)

Assistant Director: Cristina Filimon

Filmed at the Barbican Centre, London.

Music: Giorgos Potamianos
Lyrics: Thanos Sofos

Performed by: Elena Hadjiafxendi
New arrangement & musical approach: Nicos Evangelou
An excerpt from Heinrich Heine’s poem Leise zieht durch mein Gemüt is heard.

Recording: The Elbow Room, Records & Productions
Mix: Mikaela Tsangari
Mastering: Pete Maher