LOS ANGELES — Multi-Grammy Award-winning, Golden Globe nominee Chris Cornell’s official music video for his song The Promise was released on June 20 by Survival Pictures. The Promise was Cornell’s last release prior to his passing.
The song was on the soundtrack of the film of the same name, starring Christian Bale and Oscar Isaac, which was released in April.
Per Cornell’s request, the video’s release date has special meaning. Tuesday, June 20, marks World Refugee Day, an annual commemoration by the United Nations Refugee Agency to spotlight “the strength, courage and perseverance of millions of refugees.” Cornell pledged to donate all proceeds from the song and video to humanitarian aid charity International Rescue Committee.
“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,” said Eric Esrailian, producer of the movie “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 crises of modern times, but they will also inspire people and provide hope for years to come.”
Esrailian added, “Although it is bittersweet because Chris filmed his performance in Brooklyn, NY 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.”
The video was directed by Grammy Award winning director Meiert Avis and Stefan Smith. The Promise is Cornell’s last music video performance. It also includes media donated by Academy Award nominated director Evgeny Afineesvky (HBO’s “Cries from Syria”), UNESCO Prize for Peace Recipient SOS Méditerranée, Freshwater Films (Ross Kemp’s “Libya’s Migrant Hell”), Keo Films (Exodus: Our Journey To Europe), Nazik Armenakyan (Survivors), Human Rights Watch, Refugee Rescue, and Nobel Peace Prize Recipient Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).