It looks like Romain Gavras is following in the footsteps of the politically charged films like “Z” and “Missing” of his father Costa-Gavras. The actor and filmmaker is behind the video “Born Free” by M.I.A. from her forthcoming, still untitled album (though, she’s open to suggestions).
The nearly ten minute video is some graphic, heavy stuff. “Paper Planes” this ain’t. The video tells the story of a bunch of teenagers and kids living who are rounded up by the police and either executed or forced to run through a minefield.
As far as the filmmaking goes, it’s crisp and accomplished but it’s hard to see what the point of it all is. M.I.A. has certainly never been one to keep her political opinions to herself, but it’s difficult to see what message is being conveyed here not to mention the questionable decision to promote one’s single with a video that pretty much relies solely on a kid getting shot in the head to garner some buzz. Anyway, judge for yourself below and yes, this is NSFW:
M.I.A, Born Free from ROMAIN-GAVRAS on Vimeo.