With the autumnal equinox right around the corner and Halloween on the horizon, CalArts alum Ambar Navarro (Film/Video BFA 15) directs a seasonal spooky spectacle with chamber pop singer-songwriter Weyes Blood’s “Twin Flame” music video.
Released Monday, Sept. 18, the video illustrates a track from Weyes Blood’s latest album And In The Darkness, Hearts Aglow, out now on Sub Pop Records. The chilling video follows the singer wandering the corridors of a dark and (seemingly) desolate castle, echoing elements of horror films and retro animation. In a recent email with 24700, Navarro discussed her concept for the music video, as well as contributions by her fellow CalArtians:
It revolves around a medieval-themed Bluebeard’s Castle story with some experimental and fantasy elements to it that Natalie Mering (Weyes Blood) and I wanted to play with. We were inspired by a ton of Roger Corman films and featured some creepy elements like live bugs and some old-timey styled visual effects. The animated intro was created by Brian Smee (Experimental Animation BFA 16) as well as hand-painted backgrounds by Isabelle Aspin (Character Animation BFA 16). Their animation has a Scooby Doo and Hannah Barbera look that worked perfectly with our horror 16mm film.
This project brought the three of us alums together.
“Twin Flame” is the latest in several music videos directed by Navarro, including “Girlfriend Degree” by The Paranoyds and “Tired” by Moaning. Additionally, the Los Angeles-based director and artist has carved a niche creating experimental and narrative films for galleries internationally and digital spaces. Last year, she directed a short documentary on LA-based independent Latinx creators for British footwear and apparel label Doc Martens.
