Sincity on SISLEY’s Independent People

My work was featured on the SISLEY blog Independent People, which focuses on creative projects across fashion, music, and visual culture. In this case, the feature centered on Sincity, a music video I developed together with Stuart Howe in collaboration with German musician SCHMIDT.

Developing the video

We filmed Sincity in Seoul and in Gangwon-do. From the start, we wanted the locations to shape the mood of the film. Therefore, we treated the city and its surroundings as part of the story rather than as a backdrop.

Instead of following a typical music video format, we focused on atmosphere and movement. As a result, the narrative remains open and allows space for interpretation. Throughout the process, Stuart Howe and I worked closely together. We shared responsibility for directing, cinematography, and post-production, which helped us keep the project focused and consistent.

Response and recognition

In 2011, Sincity received the Grand Jury Prize at the Genero Sincity Film Award. The jury included Guy Chambers, Florian Gallenberger, and Paul Verhoeven. In addition, the video was nominated for the Katapult Clip Competition in the same year.

This recognition reflected the collaborative nature of the project. More importantly, it acknowledged a shared approach that values clarity and restraint over spectacle.

Context and placement

SISLEY’s Independent People platform places creative work within a wider cultural context. Because of this, the feature framed Sincity as part of an ongoing exchange between music, fashion, and film. For me, this reinforced the idea that music videos can function as short cinematic works, not only as promotional material.

Looking back

Looking back, Sincity represents a way of working shaped by collaboration and trust. The project grew out of a shared interest in place, rhythm, and tone. Its presentation on Independent People, together with the response it received, marked an important step in that continuing exploration.