Natemu means "we dance" in Sinhala – and Viennese rapper Kvsal and director Kevin Thaliyath have every reason to do just that: their surreal music video, which portrays the reality of People of Color in Vienna between celebration and protest, and transforms themes like exclusion, resilience, and empowerment into an absolute banger, was awarded the 13th Austrian Music Video Prize on Friday evening, May 30, at the METRO Kinokulturhaus in Vienna.

During the festive award ceremony held as part of the international short film festival VIENNA SHORTS, Thaliyath received the €2,500 prize from the Viennese film and music industry association (FIMU), as decided by the international jury. With this win, his video is also automatically qualified for the Austrian Film Award 2025.

The jury's special mention went to Ioan Gavriel and Anja Franziska Plaschg for their music video Girl Loves Me, created for the exceptional talent Soap&Skin. This homage to David Bowie powerfully reinterprets the classic with raw physical intensity and Plaschg’s striking vocal force – with the protagonist navigating dark and oppressive scenarios, always driven by a spirit of empowerment.

News 1.6.2025