Kochi-based collective of independent filmmakers debut music video of the single, ‘Rest of the days’, by Lef II Riot

Four friends bonded by a love of cinema got together and moved a step closer to their cinema dream when they set up Banger Farm Films, a collective of independent filmmakers. Aravind Babu (director/cinematographer), Christy Alby (cinematographer), Jackson Cyril (director) and Vighnesh Bhaskar (director) who met at Neo Film School, Kochi, to study filmmaking have brought out their maiden, independent project, a music video ‘Rest of the Days’ by the music band Lef II Riot. The video uploaded on YouTube 13 days ago racked up around 1.3million views.

At a time when rap (or anything in Malayalam) seems to be the preferred medium of expression for musicians in Kerala, Banger Farm Films decided to go the English rock music route with the love ballad. Lef II Riot is a five-piece glam metal band from Kochi. The collaboration came about when the Banger Farm makers pitched the concept/story (to build around Lef II Riot’s debut single) to the band, which they liked and the project was on. 

A scene from the music video
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The music video has been shot stylishly, the visuals set the mood of the song. However, what sets it apart is that it is in English and it is not rap or Malayalam rock of which there is plenty now. The video travels with the protagonist as he deals with the absence of his lover — haunted by memories of their time together while being tortured by his loneliness.  

“With this music video we also want to create a platform for up and coming music bands. However, music is not our sole focus, we are into films, commercials and everything else that comes within the purview of what we do as a collective of filmmakers,” says Vighnesh. They hope to initiate a wave of collaborations where music and cinema intersects. Incidentally Jackson, Christy and Aravind’s film Echoes of Silence was selected for the recently concluded International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala (IDSSFK). 

Rest of the Days is available on streaming platforms Apple Music and Spotify, the music video on YouTube