Berlin Music Video Awards 2023: An Extravagant Showcase of Music, Fashion, and Artistic Brilliance

The 11th edition of the Berlin Music Video Awards (BMVA) concluded with a grand finale on June 17th, leaving attendees captivated by the stunning fashion show that graced the catwalk with avant-garde, cutting-edge designs, and a touch of futurism. The event was a remarkable celebration of music, fashion, and artistic excellence, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those who experienced it.

Founded in 2013 by Aviel Silook, the Berlin Music Video Awards (BMVA) are Europe’s biggest music video festival with nominees from all over the world, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Israel, Japan, Korea, Russia, Ukraine and the US, just to name a few. 

The crowd is usually young, creative people who stand for their work, many are close to their breakout, while others are already big. It’s a unique networking opportunity, where the best filmmakers meet promising bands and raw talent, and where people really get to know each other.

It is precisely this mix that explains the attraction of the Berlin Music Video Awards, and which leads to the fact, that many participants have been coming again and again for many years, and already keep the dates blocked for the following year.

“We do put a lot of emphasis on personal relationships”, says Aviel Silook, who makes it a habit to personally meet each nominee, exchange a few words and then makes sure to introduce them to other creative minds throughout the festival. 

“For us, it’s not only about the screening of videos and the big award ceremonies, but above all, about the networking effect that a festival of this magnitude brings with it”, Aviel Silook says, who is from the industry himself and for whom this festival is a project full of passion.

Throughout the festival, which spanned from June 14th to June 17th, participants enjoyed a myriad of enriching activities including said networking opportunities, captivating music videos, and insightful workshops. 

Noteworthy events included the AI and Animation Summit, where industry experts delved into the latest trends and innovations within the animation realm. This summit provided a platform for professionals to engage in thought-provoking discussions and exchange ideas on the ever-evolving intersection of art and technology. Led by renowned industry expert Yonatan Dor, the AI summit explored the fascinating connection between artificial intelligence and music video production. Participants engaged in stimulating conversations about the impact of AI on creative processes, the role of technology in shaping visual storytelling, and the immense potential for AI to revolutionize the music video industry. The summit left attendees with a profound appreciation for the boundless possibilities that arise when AI and artistic vision merge harmoniously.

The culminating day of the Berlin Music Video Awards commenced with a glimmering red carpet, welcoming esteemed designers and nominees to Club Gretchen, accompanied by T1 Berlin’s iconic VW Bus “Bulli”. The dazzling fashion show unfolded, featuring a curated blend of established designers and emerging talents who showcased their extraordinary creations on the runway. The harmonious fusion of music and fashion generated an electrifying ambiance as models gracefully exhibited the designers’ visionary works. This captivating fashion spectacle served as a testament to the captivating interplay between music and visual aesthetics, accentuating the transformative power of collaborative creativity.

The closing ceremony united a distinguished panel of judges, esteemed artists, and industry leaders to honor the exceptional talents showcased throughout the event. The final moments were dedicated to presenting two prestigious awards: The Best Music Video and The Best Production Company. These accolades recognized outstanding achievements in visual storytelling, technical prowess, and the embodiment of artistic vision. The winners stood as luminous beacons, epitomizing the limitless creativity and ingenuity of the music video industry.

One of the highlights of the awards ceremony was the crowning of the Best Music Video, awarded to the visionary art director who left an indelible mark on the jury. The winning music video, “Nsera” by Fatoumata Diawara featuring Damon Albarn, immersed viewers in a mesmerizing journey through Africa, seamlessly blending local traditions with modernity. Director Gregory Ohrel masterfully wove together storytelling, epic visuals, and a condensed narrative of African history into a captivating three-minute video. The clever and artistic use of colors, along with a deep appreciation for history, triumphed over psychedelic, cyberpunk, and suburban aesthetics presented by other notable contenders. “Nsera,” derived from the Bambara language meaning “destination,” encapsulates the essence of the video’s message—a celebration of cultural heritage and a profound connection to one’s roots.

Recognized as the Best Production Company, SOLAB, a French powerhouse, has built a reputation for creating attention-captivating projects. Their relentless pursuit of quality has allowed them to collaborate with a diverse range of prestigious clients such as Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Yves Saint Laurent, Adidas, Winamax, Ubisoft, Renault, Lacoste, Playbboy, and Médecins du Monde. SOLAB’s exceptional work was showcased through two nominated music videos at the Berlin Music Video Awards: Josman’s “Intro” (Best Concept) and Vald feat. Orelsan’s “Péon” (VFX). Their dedication to excellence and their ability to forge strong bonds with clients have solidified their position as industry leaders.

This year’s festival featured several notable social media personalities, including Instagram sensation BerlinJesus, the multifaceted Precious Marie Mayasosua Manzo, TikTok phenomenon Jordan Prince, popular TikToker and Blogger Broownshaawty, as well as the accomplished professional dancer, actor, and choreographer Sebi Jaeger. International guests included Polartropica, Jay Samuels, Charlotte Kemp Muhl, and other influential figures from the music and fashion industry.

As the curtains closed on the Berlin Music Video Awards, participants and attendees were left with a renewed sense of inspiration, having witnessed the profound impact of music videos as a medium for creative expression. The event not only celebrated exceptional talent but also fostered connections, facilitated collaborations, and paved the way for a new wave of innovative music videos in the coming year. Hard to believe, but this festival is still independent!

For more information and a complete list of winners, please visit www.berlinmva.com or follow them on Instagram at www.instagram.com/berlinmusicvideoawards. We look forward to welcoming you all to the Berlin Music Video Awards in 2024.