Film “When The Music Ends” Sheds Light on Safety in Nightlife Culture

A new short film, “When The Music Ends“, recently premiered in Berlin, addressing a critical issue within the nightlife and electronic music community — the safety and well-being of those who work and participate in these vibrant spaces. The film, directed by Mo Kanaan and produced by Spilled Milk, is part of a broader initiative to raise awareness about the risks of harassment and abuse that have long been a concern in club culture.

Supported by key industry names like MeToo Music, Beatport, Pioneer, Safer Dance, and Ravemore, “When The Music Ends” highlights the real-life experiences of individuals who have faced these issues firsthand. The film is based on anonymous accounts from those in high-risk groups, as identified by the Electronic Music Inclusion Initiative (EMII), which conducted an extensive global study on the prevalence of harassment in nightlife.

The Story Behind The Film

“When The Music Ends” tells the stories of three individuals, all members of communities identified as being most at risk in EMII‘s findings. Through their narratives, the film portrays the harsh realities of sexual harassment in club environments and the lasting damage it can cause, both mentally and physically. From microaggressions to unwanted physical contact, the film paints a stark picture of what many endure in these spaces.

EMII‘s study, which collected data from 28 countries, revealed over 600 incidents of harassment, with the majority of reports coming from the UK, Germany, and the US. Women, particularly women of color, were shown to be disproportionately affected, especially those working in nightlife settings such as clubs and concerts. The research underscored the need for more robust interventions and protections for vulnerable groups in the industry.

Raising Awareness and Driving Change

The aim of “When The Music Ends” is not just to tell these stories but also to provoke action. The film emphasizes the importance of intervention and offers a perspective on how individuals and the wider community can play a part in stopping the exploitation and abuse of marginalized groups in nightlife. By empowering people to speak up and intervene when necessary, the film advocates for a safer, more inclusive environment for all.

MeToo Music, the organization behind this project, is known for its commitment to activism in the music industry. With this film, they continue their mission of addressing sexual harassment and discrimination within the sector.

What Comes Next?

Along with the film’s release, a dedicated website has been launched to provide more information on the project and its goals. The site will feature updates on upcoming events, including panel discussions and fundraising efforts, all aimed at supporting victims of harassment and abuse in the music industry. These initiatives are set to continue into 2025, with a focus on building long-term solutions for safer nightlife environments.

You can watch “When The Music Ends” on YouTube and learn more about the ongoing campaign at whenthemusicends.com.

The Road Ahead

While media outlets have increasingly supported campaigns for safer nightlife spaces, “When The Music Ends” reminds us that more needs to be done, the film serves as a call to action for the industry and its patrons to come together and foster environments where everyone can feel safe. Whether you’re a regular club-goer, a DJ, or part of the crew behind the scenes, this issue affects everyone in the community.

At Techno Airlines, we are always committed to supporting initiatives that seek to make a positive impact in the music and nightlife scene. Stay tuned for our feature article as we dive deeper into the making of “When The Music Ends” and explore the stories that inspired this important project.

This film is a powerful reminder that we can all make a difference — one step at a time — towards creating safer spaces for everyone.