Annecy Cristal-winning Blinkink director Raman Djafari is beaming fans into a disco-dancing animated universe in the new video for “Cold Heart” (PNAU Remix) — a Britpop superpower collaboration of Elton John and Dua Lipa. The project combines Djafari’s signature 3D, stop-motion-esque aesthetic with 2D that nods to Ghibli to create a joyful, technicolor fantasy.
Created in the isolation of the pandemic and inspired by the collaboration of two British icons, legendary and new, this music video encapsulates a post-lockdown feeling to get back to a place where we can once again enjoy and feel music together in a fresh 2021-kind-of-way.
Viewers follow the journey of four friends as they move through galaxies that are increasingly dense with color and vivacious nature. Along the way, they make friends with all the spectacular life they find; spreading joy as they go. They end their journey dancing with Elton and Dua at the best garden party this side of the Milky Way.
With images of color-saturated nebulas and abundant gardens, the 3D characters are guided into a place of groovy community guided by the Japanese anime-inspired animated avatars of Elton John and Dua Lipa.
The project was directed by Djafari (who also handled 3D design/modeling, 3D animation, 2D design, compositing and was one of the piece’s storyboard artists), produced by Gareth Owen and exec produced by Josef Byrne. The Elton and Dua characters were designed by Seo Young.
“Cold Heart” is Djafari’s latest project, fresh off his work on the MV for Squid’s “Pamphlets” and Adult Swim promos “House Of” and “I Want to Be the Ocean.” Known for his otherworldly style, the director has earned multiple Vimeo Staff Pick honors, best music video awards from Animattikon and La Guarimba, and the 2020 Annecy Cristal for Commissioned Film for the Lucky Chops “Traveler” MV. See more of Djafari’s work here.
