This Short Film Explores the Mysterious World of Bull Riding

Grammy award-winning director Emmett Malloy collaborates with acclaimed cinematographer Alexis Zabé in the creation of a new short film titled ‘Facing the Worst Fears’. The film serves as a visual accompaniment to the latest EP, 'lovemesooner,' by artist Gerard 'Jerry' Long.

In this piece, Emmett explores the world of bull riding through the lens of Jerry, formerly known as Hodgy Beats and a co-founding member of Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All (OFWGKTA). The film follows the artist as he learns the skills and lifestyle from globally-recognised cowboys Christopher Byrd and Colt Oder. Filmed amidst the picturesque Crown 7 Ranch in Fillmore, CA and set against the backdrop of the two tracks from the 'lovemesooner' EP, the piece weaves together themes of spirituality, artistic pursuits, and physical and emotional pain. 

“It’s like our mental state,” Jerry explains in the film. “To wake up in the morning, that's like getting on the bull. We struggling, personally, for something that we’re going through. It might knock us off. It’s like getting knocked off the bull. That's why we need to ground.” 

Emmett says: “I have shot a lot of music videos, and honestly, there are not many where you are genuinely concerned about the well-being of the artist. I was concerned for Jerry for sure. I am really thankful for the skilled cowboys who helped Jerry ride those bulls with confidence and courage, while we just sorta sat back and quietly captured the events as they happened. Then, as the day came to an end, the bull stomped Jerry’s leg, and I drove him to Urgent Care to complete my responsibilities as a director. We were relieved that his leg was not broken, just a deep bone bruise. A true success!”