Rich Hall crafts a touching promo for Joe Hisaishi, composer of the soundtracks of numerous Studio Gibli classic movies including Spirited Away and My Neighbour Totoro.

Shot in Vienna, Hall's video for Hisaishi's Viola Saga features a mysterious character, played by actress Jessie Mei Lei, as she weaves through the deserted city at night, trying to connect with the environment in any way she can.

Featuring the rich artistic history and beautiful architecture of the city - shot on 16mm by DoP Uri Barcelona - Vienna feels like a reflection of the quiet struggles we all face, offering a powerful sense of release in a world that seems empty and forgotten.

It's an ambitious feat with a strangely haunting atmosphere, seeing buildings and places that should be full of people completely empty. Drawn-out takes and fluid camera movement add to the surreal vibe, and it is a beautiful complement to the track.

'The idea grew out of loneliness, and the inbetween spaces that are so prevalent in Joe’s music," explains Rich Hall. "Time is relative, it only travels forward, so we played on the idea of travelling back in time to change a mistake or to meet a loved one again, only to find it was a world absent of people.

"I have grown up with Joe’s music - and so have a lot of you without even realising it. Mayao Miyazaki’s and his work have invigorated me when in need of inspiration, and comforted me when desperately hungover. This was truly an honour.

"Thank you to everyone at Riff Raff and Chelsy who made it possible, for multiple evenings of night recces and all
the effort put in."