LONDON, UK — PRETTYBIRD Director Joseph Wilson has debuted a rebellious cinematic anthem in the music video for The Irrepressibles’ new track “Yo Homo.” A punk rock track of queer defiance, “Yo Homo” is an explosive call to arms that is unashamedly proud and brimming with homosexual desire.
As a London-based artist and drag performer himself, Joseph seized the energy of the lyrics and united performers from the alt-queer scene to celebrate their identities through dance and moshing in a rundown warehouse. The energetic choreography and fast-moving cinematography juxtaposed against the single location and minimalist wardrobe create an edgy and unexpected visual narrative.
Joseph commented, “’Yo Homo’ explores the rage of queer youth and the power of community. The song takes me back to my teens, when I would get drunk in skateparks and go wild in mosh pits at local rock shows. It’s the song I wish I knew when I was 16, and the song I listen to now with pride and sweet nostalgia.”
Joseph has been working with and documenting the eclectic East London queer scene for the past five years. His films, which share the message of amplifying marginalized voices in the LGBTQI+ community, have premiered on NOWNESS and iD, as well as Raindance Film Festival, BFI Flare: London LGBTQI+ Film Festival, Fringe! Queer Film & Art Festival, and The East End Film Festival. In 2021, Joseph was selected as one of the FLAMIN (Film London Artists Moving Image Network) artists in recognition of his film Isn’t It a Beautiful World which depicts, through lip syncing, the stories of Queer performers. The film also screened at the LFF Festival and won the prestigious CIRCA x DAZED Class of 2021, announced by Marina Abramović.
Recent work includes directing the Amazon Prime x TikTok LGBT+ Modern Love Stories, and music videos for Patrick Wolf “Nowhere Game” and Autoheart “Juggernaut.”
CREDITS:
The Irrepressibles ‘Yo Homo’
Directed by Joseph Wilson
Production Company: PRETTYBIRD
EP: Juliette Larthe
Head of Production: Fiona Bamford-Phillips
EP/Producer: Chris Murdoch
Production Manager: Lottie Lindsay-Beavan
Directors Rep: Claire Stubbs / Mouthpiece
1st AD: Sam Barnham
Runner: Augustine Onoriode
DOP: Anibal Castano
Gaffer: David Witchell
Spark: Sonny Mihajlovic
Stylist: Fancy Shews!
Stylist’s Assistant: Loren James Wood
Choreographer: Courtney Deyn
Dancers: Oliver Rumaizen, Wet Mess, Bola Olagunju, Naissa Bjorn, Jayla OConnell
Edit: Joseph Wilson
Grade: Anibal Castano
Graphics: Amie Nowlan
BTS: Genevieve Reeves
Video Commissioner: Daniel Harding @ Zinglyng