Music Video Review for ‘‘Look Up to the Sun’’ by Asadeh Khakban
Asadeh Khakban's music video for "Look Up to the Sun" delivers a compelling visual narrative alongside Lia J and Bastido’s track, addressing humanity’s reckless overconsumption and the urgent need to care for our planet. The video skillfully balances minimalism with profound symbolism, portraying the world’s slow deterioration through the lens of a young man who embodies human greed. His disregard for those around him, as he takes more than his share, mirrors our collective exploitation of Earth’s resources.
Khakban's artistic direction is both calming and reflective. The smooth camera movements and understated production design align with the song's mellow tones, creating an atmosphere that feels both intimate and global. The Y2K-inspired aesthetic, paired with a muted color palette and carefully chosen costumes, evokes a sense of timelessness that draws viewers into its world. This visual simplicity, however, gives way to a deeper, more powerful message.
As the story unfolds, we witness a shift from passive mourning to active awareness. The group of characters, initially lamenting in the background, begin to open their eyes to reality—a powerful metaphor for humanity’s need to wake up to the environmental crisis. This transformation is reinforced by footage of natural disasters, reminding viewers that this isn’t just fiction, but a real and pressing issue.
While the stock footage of environmental destruction adds urgency, it somewhat clashes with the video's otherwise cohesive visual style. The abruptness of these scenes, though jarring, could be seen as intentional—a necessary disruption to remind us of the real-world stakes. Despite this, the video remains visually and emotionally compelling.
Khakban’s bicultural background and passion for sociopolitical issues shine through in this project, as she masterfully uses art to inspire action. The video ends on a hopeful note, showing determined faces ready to fight for change. Ultimately, Khakban leaves us with a question: Will we continue to consume mindlessly, or will we open our eyes and take responsibility for the planet’s future?
