Be Transported to a Dystopian World in Vietnam with Meduza’s Music Promo ‘Bad Memories’

KODE director Elliott Gonzo introduces us to an epic dystopian world in music promo ‘Bad Memories’; the latest release from Italian DJ trio, Meduza, featuring James Carter and Elley Duhé X Fast Boy. Set in Vietnam, this 2.44’ directors cut experiments with colour, extreme environments, lighting and shadows to depict a group of marginalised young people who are in search of something better. 

Elliott Gonzo, director, KODE, “Meduza’s ‘Bad Memories’, is a coming of age story, following a group of Vietnamese teenagers as they embark on a journey of discovery and self-realisation. By reconnecting with Vietnamese folklore and mythology, the narrative culminates in the discovery of a crumbling stone dragon statue set deep within a mystic jungle.” 

The stone dragon featured and brought to life in the promo, was shot on-location in Vietnam in the remains of the abandoned Ho Thuy Tien Water Park. The abandoned environment is used as a place for self-discovery and realisation within a society in which the young protagonists exist as outliers. Within the city, the group skateboard, bike, dance and drive through the streets and cars, using the spaces around them to express their true selves and attempt to discover their own pathways and narratives. Opening with a vast drone sequence, the extensive yet unknown environment that is conveyed is metaphorical of the world that is there to be uncovered. 

Elliott Gonzo, director, KODE, “Captured using an infrared lens filter, the location is given an otherworldly feel and look, referencing Richard Moss’s ‘The Enclave’. In Vietnam the dragon is a symbol of power and nobility, particularly of the nation. The characters in the video embody the ancient dragon figure, with fiery red eyes and smoke billowing from their mouths, they represent the power of the youth and progressive subcultures in Vietnam. The contrast between the deserted, dishevelled dragon and the spirited misfits, signifies the birth of a new era, shifting perspectives and the possibility of change.”

Nathan Killham, EP @ KODE said, “As soon as Elliott sent me this treatment, I knew we were on to something special. The abandoned waterpark  in Hue, Vietnam does a lot of talking for itself but the infrared filter gave the video a whole new dynamic. The team in Vietnam were absolutely incredible and everybody went above and beyond to ensure we walked away with a great video and a lovely (albeit extremely sweaty) shoot experience.”