Samona Olanipekun directs a poignant and powerful visual for Jorja Smith's cover of Rose Rouge. 

Originally performed by French musician St Germain, the contemporised version takes on a new meaning with current events in the world, and is a stunning soundtrack to the visual. 

Interweaving shots of international BLM protests with footage from historical movements, the video is both a celebration of spirit and unity, but also a striking and emotional statement that the fight is nowhere near over, and the issues that existed decades ago are still very much alive today. 

Production company Object & Animal have made donations on behalf of the rights holders to the Black Lives Matter Global Network, for the use of their images and footage. 

SAMONA OLANIPEKUN:

Jorja's Rose Rouge has the power to unite and inspire. It was only right that we aimed to match that energy with the visuals.

"With so much currently happening and even more yet to happen, I felt it was important to take stock. The film was an opportunity to highlight the immense effort being made including the strength and the spirit display. It's so easy to get disheartened and lose sight of what we're fighting for. 

"Jorja's Rose Rouge is a beautiful track that has the power to unite and inspire. It was only right that we aimed to match that energy with the visuals. It was also important to draw a link to the freedom fighters that came before us. We're part of a fight that began long before most of us were born and it's highly likely it will continue after we are gone, all we can do is carry the baton and continue to demand change.’’