How Filmmaker Hiro Murai Helped Create Childish Gambino’s Epic ‘This is America’
By Ryan General
May 10, 2018
Tokyo-born filmmaker Hiro Murai has caught everyone’s attention with his brutally poignant music video for “This Is America,” a new single from Donald Glover, a.k.a. Childish Gambino.
The politically-charged piece brilliantly juxtaposes Glover’s deceptively happy, carefree lines against a violent background as it tackles Black life and culture in America.
In the haunting video, we see an all-smiling Glover dancing in between murders, delivering his playful yet dark and aggressive lyrics amid the ongoing chaos and turmoil surrounding him.
The internet is now rife with multiple interpretations of the unflinching music video, with many trying to decipher the symbolism the talented Glover and visionary Murai have encrypted in it.
The video has been widely shared on various social media, generating over 65 million views on YouTube alone since it was first released on May 5.
Murai, who is based in Los Angeles, has collaborated with Glover in the past, including their work in multiple episodes of the hit series “Atlanta.”
A graduate of the USC School of Cinematic Arts, Murai began his directorial career by doing freelance work as the director of photography for numerous music videos, which over the years has earned him numerous awards.
Before transitioning to television, Murai also directed low-budget films early in his career.
His most notable works include music videos for Earl Sweatshirt, Chet Faker, Flying Lotus, David Guetta, St. Vincent, The Shins, The Fray, Bloc Party, and Queens of the Stone Age.
Featured Image via Instagram / (Left): clouder.ltd | YouTube / (Right): Donald Glover
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