La Haine, but trainers

Nike – Runners Gang [Spec spot]

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Production Company Filmakademie Baden-Wurttemberg
Director Elias Ben Dahhou

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Credits

powered by

Production Company Filmakademie Baden-Wurttemberg
Director Elias Ben Dahhou
Executive Producer David Vorkauf
Executive Producer Clementine Buren
DP Wesley William Salamone
Editor Tim Plester
Sound Designer & Music Moritz Peter

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We're used to the ever-impressive Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg producing on-air worthy films from its students, and this vibrant spec spot from Elias Ben Dahhou is no exception.

Taking on the challenge of being both a contemporary sportswear commercial AND a socio-political commentary on racial profiling, Runners Gang impressively manages both in its relatively short duration.

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Above: Some behind-the-scenes shots from the film's location shoot.

Rather than focus on the situation's justifiable anger, Dahhou's film turns the harassment into a training exercise for the protagonists, each timed on their escape through the urban jungle of Marseille. However, the injustice is not ignored in the narrative - the colourful running scenes contrasting with stark b&w visions of rage.

"With Runners Gang," explains Dahhou, "I wanted to make a film that doesn’t seek pity but shows strong characters. Constantly confronted with this harassment, they have developed their own way of dealing with it: If you play with us, we play with you."

As with most Baden-Württemberg productions, the film itself was supported by many members of the production community, with David Vorkauf [Those Youngbloods] and Clémentine Buren [Very Content/LA\PAC] both taking on Executive Producer roles.