Toxic - Calvin Arsenia

Calvin Arsenia is one of the most magical musicians and creative forces I’ve ever met. Directing his cover of Toxic was the catalyst for our collaboration and friendship and my first opportunity to helm a crew of this scale. His interpretation of the song transported me into a trance, and my goal was to create a visual experience that did the same for the viewer.

From the outset, I wanted the video to flex the full range of my creative vision as a director and showcase the kind of immersive, detail-driven storytelling our creative lab is known for. Every choice, from lighting to composition to art direction, was guided by the desire to honor the hypnotic, ethereal quality of Calvin’s performance.

Making the Video

We shot at Greenwood Social Hall, a stunning old church turned music venue and artist studio. The space, complete with a grand piano, vintage chandelier, and one of a kind art pieces, felt tailor made for the dreamlike aesthetic we envisioned. Minimal adjustments were needed; the location itself became a collaborator.

John Beatty, our DP, leveraged his industry connections to provide top-tier camera gear, while one of Kansas City’s go-to gaffers generously supplied lighting equipment. Despite a two day shoot in the middle of a blizzard and the distraction of the Chiefs in the playoffs, the crew’s energy never waned, my mother’s home-cooked Middle Eastern food made sure of that.

Travis Young, one of my favorite photographers, joined the set after a cold DM. He was impressed by the production’s scale and caliber and continues to collaborate on my projects whenever I reach out. Together, this team transformed a shared vision into a tangible, mesmerizing piece of art.

People in a dimly lit room celebrating around a piano decorated with flowers and greenery, with wall art and art supplies in the background.
A man relaxed on a vintage sofa in a warmly lit room with eclectic decor, including lamps, artwork, and a piano, while a filmmaker operates a camera nearby.

The video currently has over 24K views on YouTube and has been recognized at multiple film festivals:

  • Hollywood Independent Filmmaker Awards & Festival – Official Selection

  • Los Angeles Cinefest – Semi-Finalist

  • Kansas City First Friday Film Festival

  • Portland Unknown Film Festival – Official Selection

The project remains a touchstone for our creative lab, a testament to the creativity, generosity, and collaborative spirit of the Kansas City film community. It also marked the beginning of an ongoing partnership with Calvin Arsenia, a reminder of how powerful music and visual storytelling can be when they converge.

Impact

Credits

  • Director / Producer: Khitam Jabr

  • Cinematographer: John Beatty

  • Editor: Ignacio Galarza III

A film crew member holding a clapperboard for a scene, with a person seated in the background and a bouquet of flowers in the foreground, in a dimly lit indoor setting.
A person holding a vintage gramophone talking to a cameraman using a professional film camera in a warmly lit indoor setting.
A dining table covered with spilled food items, including crushed flowers and torn napkins, in a room with warm lighting and wooden walls.
A man playing a keyboard in a dimly lit, cozy room with wooden walls, paintings, and warm lighting.
Side profile of a man with dreadlocks and a beard, with sunlight illuminating his face from the right, in a room with artwork and posters on the wall.
Person sitting on a sofa in a dimly lit room, covering their face with their hands, surrounded by warm light from a table lamp.
A person wearing a dark beanie and hoodie is operating a phone or device in a dimly lit room, with another person in the background.
Two women sitting at a bar, smiling and talking. One woman has dark hair and glasses, wearing a light blue shirt, and has her arm around the other woman, who has short dark hair and is wearing a black shirt. There are paintings and artwork in the bac
A man wearing a cowboy hat and plaid shirt setting up a light reflector in a dimly lit room.
Four people in a cozy, art-filled room with warm lighting. One person is sitting at a piano decorated with flowers and petals, another person is sitting on the piano with flowers. Two other people are standing on the piano, one shirtless and the othe
Side profile of a young man with dark skin, curly beard, and natural hair, illuminated by warm, dim lighting.
A woman sitting on a sofa in a warmly lit living room, covering her face with her hands, with a coffee table full of various items in front of her.
A woman with glasses and long dark hair smiling with her eyes closed, sitting next to a man with a beard and closed eyes, both leaning their heads together in a cozy, dimly lit room.

Other Music Video Work

Bottom of Your Belly
Discoloration