Welsh songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and auteur Ren has released a gripping new short film, providing an intimate look behind the scenes of his latest visual masterpiece, "Vincent’s Tale - Starry Night." The two-part documentary, titled Prisoners Round, offers a "fly on the wall" perspective of a creative process that pushed the artist to his absolute physical limits—nearly costing him his sight.
A Journey Through Adversity
The documentary serves as a raw, honest exploration of the challenges inherent in juggling high-concept art with the realities of chronic illness. Ren’s path to completing the "Starry Night" video was plagued by severe medical setbacks.
“On my first attempt to film this, I went temporarily blind in one eye during an autoimmune attack,” Ren explained. “I ended up in hospital with a flare of brain damage-related issues and had to wait months before attempting again.”
Despite these heartbreaking obstacles, Ren remained adamant about finishing the piece. He describes the work as a reflection on a failing global value system that has left society "collapsing inward." Yet, through the struggle, he maintains a sense of radical hope, citing the "beautiful people with good intentions" he encounters daily as proof of our collective ability to adapt and grow.
Looking Ahead
Fans can watch Part 1 now, with the concluding chapter, Part 2, set for release on March 22nd via Patreon. The film provides an essential look into the construction of his visual world as he continues work on his highly anticipated third full-length album, due later this year.
Live Dates
Ren’s expansive and thought-provoking world will transition to the stage this summer with several major festival appearances:
August 8th: Boardmasters Festival, Cornwall
August 30th: All Points East, London
As a multi-faceted artist, producer, and director, Ren continues to build an intense creative universe that resonates far beyond the music itself. This latest documentary is a must-see for anyone looking to understand the human cost and the unwavering teamwork behind the visions of one of the UK’s most unique creatives.
