Acclaimed actor, musician, and creative visionary Keiynan Lonsdale today unveils Operation Heart Defence, a three-part cinematic short film premiering on Valentine’s Day. The project marks the culmination of The Heart Defence Mixtape era while nodding to the arrival of Lonsdale’s next chapter, where later this year, Keiynan is set to release new music that builds on his reputation for genre-defying sound and deeply personal storytelling.
Developed over six months, Operation Heart Defence began as a dance-led music video concept and grew into an ambitious short film blending music, choreography and fashion. Drawing inspiration from the precision of Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation, the theatrical drama of Lady Gaga’s Alejandro, the movement language of FKA twigs, and classic R&B romantic archetypes, the film explores themes of heartbreak, obsession, power, and leadership through a cinematic lens.
Keiynan will release the deluxe version of his The Heart Defence mixtape on February 27 via AWAL, featuring the full-length Operation Heart Defence track, brand-new remixes, and previously unreleased material.
The release arrives amid a major moment in Keiynan’s acting career. He is currently in rehearsals for Larry Kramer’s The Normal Heart at the Sydney Opera House, and on March 6, he stars as a U.S. Ranger in Netflix’s upcoming action feature War Machine, releasing globally. Earlier this year, he also appeared in the new series RUN, which debuted January 1 on Binge in Australia, with a global release forthcoming.
Keiynan has already cemented his status as a multifaceted artist with the release of his debut album, Rainbow Boy, a vibrant, genre-spanning project that earned critical acclaim from Billboard, Vogue, Rolling Stone, and GQ, as well as a nomination for Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist at the 2021 GLAAD Music Awards. His music videos, often self-produced, directed, and edited, showcase his deep storytelling ability, blending movement, visual artistry, and sonic world-building.
Beyond entertainment, Keiynan is a powerful advocate for self-expression, authenticity, and representation, using his platform to challenge industry norms and inspire others. His influence across culture and style has also led to collaborations with leading global brands including Jean Paul Gaultier, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Puma, Jaguar, Defender, and Johnnie Walker.
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