Neo-noir electro duo Solitary Dancer reached out to Ivorian-Ghanaian filmmaker Will Niava to develop a video concept that dealt with issues of racial inequality and systemic oppression. The Montreal-based musicians explain how, Violence of the Lambs, the first track from their new LP, was purpose-written with the idea for the video in mind, and “prompted by growing frustration with the state of law enforcement.”

This film follows a trio of young men and their altercation with a hot-tempered off-duty police officer who racially profiles the only black member of the group. The music is as intrinsic to the plot as the action, with corroded synthesizer sounds and thumping bass keeping pace with the rising animosity between the central characters. 

“Growing up in Ghana and Ivory Coast, police brutality is something I’ve experienced and witnessed on numerous occasions,” says Niava. “Back home, the police usually want money in exchange for your freedom. However, in North America it feels like your life is at stake just because of the color of your skin.” 

Niava shares the burden of racial prejudice with the audience by placing the camera at the center of the conflict. By doing so, he hopes to rouse a society he says has become “desensitized” to police violence. 

“The video aims to both engage and to reinforce the need for public outcry surrounding police brutality and racism,” says Solitary Dancer. “Especially amid thousands of senseless cases in recent times.”