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Hu Ray

Hu Ray is a thank you song to our bodies in a journey that celebrates our different body parts, our transformations, and our ancestors. Created by singer/songwriter/visual artist JoAnne Spies, Hu Ray features her clay 'Speak/No Speak' people, collages and portraits.
The song was written as a warm-up activity for residents in the six health care and memory care settings where Spies (rhymes with trees) brings music, poetry and movement.

  • JoAnne Spies
    Director
  • JoAnne Spies
    Writer
  • Erica Spizz
    Producer
    CTSB local cable productions
  • Speak/No Speak People
    Key Cast
    "Ancestors"
  • Project Type:
    Animation, Experimental, Music Video, Short
  • Runtime:
    7 minutes 13 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 22, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    3,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States, United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States, United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    1080p
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • N/A
Director Biography - JoAnne Spies

JoAnne Spies (rhymes with trees) is a singer songwriter and visual artist who collaborates with her audience in rhythm and sound explorations. Recent works include ‘Karaoke Confession’ and ‘Trust’ at the Norman Rockwell Museum and ‘Survivor Tree’, an original song sung at the 9-11 Memorial by the Survivor Tree to honor the tree and Jane Goodall as Dr. Goodall received a peace award . 
Spies has headed the Art Cart program at Community Access to the Arts since 2001, bringing music, movement and poetry to six Berkshire Healthcare settings, including two memory care units.
'Hu Ray' is her first music video.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

'Hu Ray' is a gratitude dance and 'love your body' song. I wrote it as a warm-up for residents in the six healthcare facilities and memory care units where I bring music and movement.
Hu Ray was created over a year and a half, and my appreciation for the power of images to heal and re-connect hidden parts of myself and others grew with the process. I unearthed clay figures I had created long ago that became totems, and these figures led to ancient ancestors and new pathways of understanding and connection. I'm especially grateful to the Stockbridge Munsee, Sicilian and black ancestors who were revealed in the film.
Thank you to Erica Spizz at CTSB for her editing skills and support.