BERNARD
0440“To me, the song felt like a baptism. The topics we were exploring at the time were all somehow connected, especially while making Snapshots. Writing 0440 felt like I took everything I’d learned from that previous experience and understood it even better. It felt like a step forward, and I think the film reflects that perfectly.”
– Bernard
Credits
Directed by: Johannes Hauswirth
Camera Operator: Bishr Laham
Produced by: Kira Rosendahl
Set Photography: Junior Kinsley Opunko
Behind the Scenes: Samuel Regier
Bernard reached out to us after we first got to know him when he played a show in our area.
He is a young, ambitious lyricist who channels his experiences and feelings through storytelling-style rap, inspired by artists like OG Keemo, Kendrick Lamar, and others. Bernard performs in multiple languages, blending pop-cultural references with intricate explorations of his inner world, the struggles of his life, and the coming-of-age journey he finds himself on — all through an empathetic, reflective, and forgiving lens.
In November 2023, he visited our office and performed a rough sketch of what 0440 would become. His impromptu performance immediately resonated with Johannes, who began developing visual ideas and eventually directed the music video. The final track features a prominently present drum kit, mirroring the rawness of Bernard’s words, combined with a soft female vocal sample, lending it a sensitive touch that reflects the Artist’s careful attention to detailed storytelling. Producers vi-JERA and c-ouvert created a sonic foundation that not only highlights the vocals but is a vibe in and of itself.
Bernard gave us, as a film team, significant creative freedom in crafting the visuals for his music, emphasizing that he wanted a video that would not merely reflect the lyrics but add an extra layer of depth and room for interpretation. The video provides a window into an artist revisiting memories, processing trauma, and facing hardships, using the power of his pen to navigate through it all.
The video combines performance and observational scenes, referencing Bernard’s hometown, Düsseldorf (postal code beginning with “40”), where he was born in 2004 (“04”). It also depicts moments of relief and joy, juxtaposed with scenes of fear and isolation, representing his upbringing in the German city.
The vibrant color grading reflects vivid memories, while the editing style delivers a mix of chaotic yet striking snapshots of Bernard’s past. This escalates into a grand crescendo of fast-paced visual impressions, creating a sense of overwhelm — one that can only be eased through the process of writing it out.
