HANK MAY: MORGANA

a music video for mental health and suicide prevention awareness

In a liminal space where life seeks the light, a mental health support group reaches catharsis through kinetic release and a daring mantra.

Filmmaker Statement

“With this concept, I challenged myself to bring humor, vulnerability, empowerment, and hope -- everything in Hank’s music -- to a sensitive and complicated subject, one I have experience with and needed to honor. We designed the production as a non-profit, in-kind effort for mental health awareness and suicide prevention, hoping to reduce stigma, foster connectedness, and spark meaningful conversations. We found supportive partners in Hyper RPG Studios, transporting our therapy group into a kinetic, otherworldly realm using an innovative virtual production environment and motion-control camera system. I’m thrilled to share our expression of joy and healing with the world.”

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This work contains references to suicide. Suicide is complex and can be prevented. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a hotline for individuals struggling, in crisis, or for those seeking to help someone else. To speak with a certified listener 24/7, call or text 988. For more resources on suicide prevention awareness and action, visit BeThe1To.com.

Official Selection

51st Athens International Film + Video Festival - Athens, OH, April 2024

Curation Hour - January 2024 selection, with a Q&A adapted from an essay by Jo Garrity

“As observers, we frequently overlook the impactful experiences—whether positive or negative—that contribute to the creation of artistic endeavours. In an admirable effort to challenge the stigma associated with suicide, director Jo Garrity shares with us a deeply personal narrative behind the music video he directed for musician Hank May.” — Curation Hour

BARCIFF - Barcelona Indie Filmmakers Festival - July 2024

Top of the Clips - December 2023

Press

Medium - “On Living, or an Unending Love Story,” a personal essay by Jo Garrity on the making of Morgana

Rainn Wilson

“Absolutely captivated… a beautiful blend of humor, vulnerability, and empowerment.”

Promonews

“Thought-provoking… The video for Morgana is a complex yet beautiful meditation on mental health, and uses dynamic movement and ethereal cinematography to encapsulate the themes of the track. May's performance is suitably transcendent and central to the concept, and each character's performance helps bring a sense of realism to the dreamlike vision.”

— Rob Ulitizki, Promonews

Northern Transmissions - Video of the Day

Sacks & Co - Press Release