Prism Prize Eligible Video: Austra - Anywayz

By External Source

The 2020 Prism Prize for Best Canadian Music Video was awarded to Peter Huang, for his clip for Jessie Reyez's Far Away. We will continue to profile noteworthy Canadian videos that were eligible for the Prize, including this one from an acclaimed Toronto electro-pop band, headed by Katie Stelmanis.

Canadian electronic music band Austra, founded by singer/songwriter Katie Stelmanis, has been in the music scene since 2009. With four studio albums, it’s no surprise that Austra has found a signature sound. 

Anywayz is the most recent single off Austra's current album HiRUDiN. The song speaks to the toxicity of a relationship, where at times, it can feel like being lost in a maze - every step bringing you further away from the exit. 

Directed by Jasmin Mozzafari, the video follows the same themes of the song. “I wanted the video to feel as dramatic and chaotic as heartbreak can be, bringing this fear into fruition," she explains. "The concept focuses on Katie as a heightened version of herself, sequestered inside a barren mansion that resembles a cage of her own spiralling thoughts. She resists moving on, yet as time persists and the outside world thrives, it eventually forces itself upon her.” 

Director - Jasmin Mozaffari

Featuring - Destiny Vania Rettinger

Producer - Caitlin Grabham

DOP - Catherine Lutes

Production Designer - Casey Tuninga

Editor - Alexander Farah

H/MU - Claudine Baltazar

Wardrobe - Nariman Jay

Production Coordinator - Vanessa Gloux

Assistant Director - Jonah Allingham

Set Dresser - Evely Escobar

Steadicam Op - Greg Frankovich

1st AC - Matt Veen

2nd AC - Janelle Body

Gaffer - Ryan Hernandez

Electric - Connor Marsden

Key Grip - TJ Richardson

Grip - Igor Alves

VFX Artist - Andrew Scott

Colourist - Conor Fisher, Alter Ego

PAs - Sam Burns, Bee Langs, Ashley Bowa