Stink Films have announced that Andzej Gavriss, who directed the acclaimed and award-winning videos for Aigel's You're Born and Sansara's We Will Become Better, has joined the commercial and music video roster in Europe, US and Asia.

The Latvian director has become renowned for his imaginative and highly cinematic take on storytelling, with short films such as Malaria, about homelessness in Los Angeles, and last year's Eleusis, about a rock star's incarceration in an unorthodox rehab centre.

After well-received videos for Korn and Aigel - featuring the mysterious rejuvenation of the Russian ruler - his greatest acclaim has come with We Will Be Better, which challenges homophobic sentiment in Russia with a love story of two men told through dance. The film was the latest of his collaborations with Evgeny Primachenko of WK Amsterdam, conceived as a short film which was then developed into a music video for Russian band Sansara.

In the last two years his work has won many international awards, including Director of the Year at Shots, Grand Prize and GOLD for Direction at CLIO, Silver at Cannes Lions, Gold Screen at YDA 2020, Wooden Pencil for Direction at D&AD, and Best Cinematography in a Music Video at Camerimage. His most recent awards include Gold at 1.4, Silver for Direction at Eurobest, and Bronze at Epica. 

“For me the creative comes first. I want to tell interesting stories, step out of my comfort zone and do the best work.” says. Gavriss. “It was important for me to find a company who is as ambitious as I am. Stink’s work consistently stands out; their team has good instincts and they are willing to fight for creativity. They are risk takers whose eyes are sparkling with energy. I’m looking forward to working together.” 

Blake Powell, Stink’s Global Head of Film, adds: “I think We Will Become Better is a stand out piece of work this year. It blew me away. It's beautifully constructed and directed. Andzej, like that piece, has an incredible energy and passion that is infectious. The team can't wait to get going.”

• Watch Andzej Gavriss's showreel at Stink Films here