PRETTYBIRD and DIVISION Mourn Rhazi

French director Thomas Rhazi has passed away following a recent motorbike accident in Paris.

Signed to PRETTYBIRD and DIVISION Paris, Rhazi was an accomplished music video director known for his storytelling abilities and focused work ethic. He had a great sense of the power of visual effects, which is highlighted in his Goose’s Your Ways video (below) and Hawk House’s Chill Pill. He had also helmed music videos for the likes of Alt-J, Baauer, The Dandy Warhols and Soko among others.

Rhazi initially began his career as a fashion photographer and director of photogaphy before turning his hand to directing. His most recent work, Eyes of a Child for the Noémi Association and an Axe commercial were just beginning to gain some recognition in the industry and earned him a few accolades.

“The tragic loss of young director Thomas Rhazi this week, whom we represented with DIVISION Paris, has been a big shock for us, and one that we are struggling to come to terms with,” says PRETTYBIRD’s co-founder/EP Juliette Larthe. “Thomas was a beautiful director, his work artful and abstract, yet using beautifully executed narratives. A whole story lived inside every piece. His oeuvre was poignant and touching, and he always managed to nurture great performances.”

His funeral took place yesterday and as a mark of respect, the PRETTYBIRD office was closed.