The Impressive Promotional Film of Musician Michael Kiwanuka Shows Us a “Beautiful Life” before our Eyes.

The latest music video “Beautiful Life” directed by Phillip Youmans SMUGGLER for Michael Kiwanuka is set against the backdrop of his emotional song, in which Russian roulette is played. Youmans explores the phenomenon of DMT and interweaves the perspectives of four teenagers, each of whom has their life flash before their eyes before pulling the trigger.

Youmans’ raw, immersive approach, shot on 16mm film, creates bold, dynamic and claustrophobic scenes, while the kinetic camera brings a nostalgic and vivid feel during individual flashbacks. Through compelling storytelling carried by authentic performances from a polished and diverse cast, Phillip Youmans weaves his craft and Kiwanuka’s powerful single into a matter of life and death, celebrating the true power in the human spirit.

Youmans, best known for his award-winning feature debut BURNING CANE, has become an exceptional talent and one of the most exciting new voices in film. Following the music video “Interlude (Loving The People)” for Michael Kiwanuka, Philip Youmans continues his collaboration with the Mercury Prize-winning artist with “Beautiful Life.”

Philip Youmans comments: “This story is a cautionary tale about our nation’s easy access to and fascination with guns. We follow teenagers playing Russian roulette with their parents’ revolver. As each player puts the gun to their temple, their lives flash before their eyes. When we die, our body releases DMT; it is said that when this substance floods our bloodstream, a person’s life flashes before their eyes. So close to their possible death, I wanted to explore these characters through their memories. With each pull of the trigger, the chance of death increases, and each player copes with varying degrees of fear. Excessive self-confidence and recklessness underscore the underlying themes of this film: life is beautiful and precious, and conformity and exhibitionism can be deadly. Although they are afraid, they still pull the trigger and succumb to the pressure of the moment.”