Michael Kiwanuka Emanates Black Joy and Youthful Exuberance in Trippy Music Video

New Orleans raised filmmaker Phillip Youmans’ newest music video 'Interlude (Loving the People)' for Michael Kiwanuka is a celebration of black joy and carefree, youthful exuberance. The film follows a group of black teenagers who take LSD together on a glorious LA day. Comprised of interwoven surrealist vignettes, we see the friends living every moment to the fullest doing whatever makes them feel good.

Inspired by the ethereal, unruly nature of a psychedelic experience, Phillip and his cinematographer Gus Bendinelli employed an active and unpredictable camera throughout. The film’s visual distortions and saturation intensify in tandem with the group’s trip. The limitless colour range and irreplaceable texture of Super 16 depict Southern California in all of its dynamic glory.

Most known for his award-winning debut feature 'BURNING CANE', Phillip has emerged as a singular talent and one of the most exciting new voices in film. With this music video, he continues to shine a humanising, nuanced light on black stories to highlight black joy. He allows his characters to let their hair down, let go of the pain and embrace the love.

“Listening to Michael Kiwanuka’s Interlude (Loving the People) feels like sunshine on my skin" commented Phillip. "This film is an escapist trip where young black people revel in the psychedelic experience. For me, 'Loving the People' is about the adrenaline of unconfined love and joy, a celebration of black youth and imagination.”