Bibi Zhou 'Lunar' by Jodeb

Bibi Zhou, a huge star in China in the Mandarin-language Mandopop genre, is transformed into an interdimensional puppetmaster, controlling the lives of characters in her orbit, in the gorgeous video directed by Jonathan Desbiens - aka Jodeb - for her new track Luna. 

Shot in Montreal and Iceland, with a cast of dancers situated in a remarkable selection of locations - brooding glaciers, basalt column caves, black sand beaches and moonlit lagoons - Jodeb has created a delightful, otherworldly piece, where Bibi Zhou is the spiritual rock, literally tied to these characters.

The rope that connects Bibi Zhou and the dancers over time and space is a simple but highly effective device in also creating a connection between Zhou, the dancers and the viewer. It is delivered with characteristic skill and conviction by Jodeb - aided in no small part by the brilliant cinematography by Kristof Brandl - and also invites the viewer to ponder on the metaphorical aspect of a piece in which the moon is also a force, like a character in itself. 

The artist may be only vaguely known to a Western audience, but this one stands up with Jodeb's finest work. A director at the top of his game. 

JODEB (JONATHAN DESBIENS):

“The video is about inner struggle and desperate measures. I tried to make an epic painting in motion that creates a dualism between uncontrollable forces, such as the moon and gravity, and inner struggles that are universal to everyone. 

“I went for a subconscious idea of a strong beautiful woman fighting some inner demons/personas, illustrating the walls between her feelings. I like to put unlikely elements against each other, often an adult v child concept. It was an experiment in expression and style. I was looking to create a simple, effective experience where you would rather feel than understand the concept.

"For me, it’s a very liberating process to just let myself go with a simple theme that shouldn’t require clutter, and let my amazing collaborators play with it as well. It’s been an incredible experience both in Montreal and Iceland, with unbelievable dancers and a crew of friends.”