Survival Pictures released the official video for Chris Cornell’s song, “The Promise”, on June 20 to mark World Refugee Day.
The tune is the title track to the 2016 film of the same name directed by Terry George and starring Christian Bale, Oscar Isaac and Charlotte Le Bon in a love triangle drama set against the 1914 Armenian genocide.
"The Promise" was Cornell's last release prior to his passing in a Detroit hotel room on May 17 following a Soundgarden show in the city.
"Chris Cornell was not only a dear family friend for many years, but he was also a once-in-a-generation talent who is missed more than words can convey. It was such an honor to collaborate and partner on 'The Promise' over the years," says Eric Esrailian, producer of "The Promise" and co-manager for Survival Pictures. "His music and lyrics will not only shine a light on the Armenian Genocide and the human rights crisis of modern times, but they will also inspire people and provide hope for years to come.
"Although it is bittersweet because Chris filmed his performance in Brooklyn, New York shortly before his passing, he wanted his video to be released on World Refugee Day, and he was passionate about helping people through this project. True to Chris's charitable spirit, he made a commitment to donate all of his proceeds from 'The Promise' to support refugees and children, and to further the conversation about the refugee crisis the world continues to endure."
Directed by Meiert Avis (Audioslave, U2) and Stefan Smith (Madonna, Sting), the clip mixes images of Cornell in the studio with refugees from around the world.
"'The Promise' to me is mainly about paying homage to those we lost in the Armenian Genocide, but it's also about shining a light on more recent atrocities,’ Cornell explained at the time of the song's release. “The same methods used in the Armenian Genocide were used to carry out crimes against humanity in Bosnia, Darfur, Rwanda and right now in Syria on multiple fronts, contributing to a massive global refugee crisis. Unfortunately, the words 'never again' seem like just words when we recall these mass executions of the twentieth century, as well as renewed racism and prejudice around the world. Even in the U.S., the warning signs — isolating groups based on race and religion — are evident.
“We really need to tell these stories and keep telling them in as many different ways as we can. As humans, we have a tremendous capacity to trudge ahead in our lives and not look at the difficult and challenging moments... but I think it's important. Educating ourselves on the past is the best way to understand the present and avoid future atrocities by understanding and intervening. We must educate and stand as one to combat this fear and violence, and as citizens of the world, work to protect each other's human rights."
In April 2017, Cornell and his family toured refugee camps in Greece and it was there that they decided The Chris And Vicky Cornell Foundation would focus its efforts on child refugees and the issues affecting them including education, health and human trafficking.
Cornell was laid to rest during a private memorial service at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles on May 26.
See also:
Eddie Vedder delivers tribute to Chris Cornell in London
Soundgarden: Chris Cornell toxicology reports released
Chris Cornell’s widow issues statement regarding Soundgarden singer’s death investigation
Chris Cornell’s brother posts tribute to the late Soundgarden singer
Search Soundgarden at hennemusic
