Launch Recite Me assistive technology

This short film by Lynette Nylander and Margot Bowman challenges harassment in clubs

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Date
27 June 2018
A neon-style illustration of a person from behind, wearing jeans outlined in glowing green. A hand, outlined in glowing red, is tucked into the left back pocket.

Produced in collaboration with Boiler Room, Common Misconceptions is a film about micro aggressions in nightclub culture – brought to life through a woman protagonist’s fictional night out. The script is an adaption of an article from the cult zine Rave Ethics created by Netherlands-based Catherine Hilgers, who says that the zine was originally inspired by a quote from unlikely club policy source, Oprah. Her quote, "Take responsibility for the energy you bring into the space” was reappropriated with the club space in mind, and Nyander and Bowman extend this idea in their video, laying responsibility at the feet at all those clubbers that enter the rave,

The four minute animation is a sharp look into a Saturday night in a club from getting “dry humped” on the dance floor to getting accosted at a bar then told to ‘“cheer up love” in a taxi home.

The short is directed by filmmaker Margot Bowman and written and narrated by journalist Lynette Nylander who gives “common Saturday night scenarios” in a explainer-style. They include quotes like, “You think you’re chatting me up but…you’re actually pissing me off” and distinct text details that read rallying slogans saying things like “Promoters be responsible for the experience you create”.

The film was launched last night at the Mayor’s office and you can watch it below.

An illustration of a hand interacting with a phone screen. A red notification reads “EMERGENCY ALERT” and “Women don’t just go out to meet men.” Below, a green message bubble reads “Umfang’s on at 1!”.
A digital illustration of two figures outlined in glowing neon green and blue against a dark background. Red text laid over the centre reads “DON’T INTERRUPT SOMEONE DANCING”.
A 3D render of three neon-outlined figures dancing against a dark, blurred background of green, red and blue light. The central figure has a glowing red target symbol on their chest.

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About the Author

Kieran Yates

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Kieran Yates is a London-based journalist and author who has been writing about culture everywhere from The Guardian and Independent to Dazed and WePresent for over a decade. She is the author of All the Houses I’ve Ever Lived In, exploring the art and design of homes.

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