Keziah Thomas, a talented composer from Bengaluru, has made waves at the World Film Festival in Cannes by clinching awards for Best Soundtrack and Best Composer of the Future. Her outstanding work on the animated short film Milo played a crucial role in her success.
Thomas approaches composing with a keen understanding of a film's characters and emotional narrative. She dives deep into these elements before even putting notes on paper. This approach was essential for her work on Milo, a story that revolves around a child caught in the middle of his parents' conflicts. To ensure the music matched the film's emotional tone, Thomas worked closely with the director, Dillon Sharp.
In Milo, Thomas sought to give the music its own voice while keeping it intertwined with the storyline. She began by recording herself humming a simple melody, which evolved into the film's main motif. These recordings were then altered to mirror the emotional shifts in the narrative. One scene required the music to move smoothly from a hopeful tone to a darker one, a challenge Thomas tackled through creative experimentation.
For Thomas, film scoring is all about collaboration, focusing on enhancing the film's story and vision. She values discussions with directors, believing that even challenging conversations can lead to stronger musical concepts. Thomas’s musical journey started early in Bengaluru when she was just seven years old. By 14, she was already exploring different instruments and musical styles.
In 2023, Thomas relocated to Boston to study at Berklee College of Music, which honed her skills as a composer. She attributes her musical foundation and growth to both Bengaluru and Berklee. The accolades from Cannes have validated her path, turning her dreams into reality and proving wrong those who doubted her ambitions.
Despite the global platforms and technology that enable international collaborations, Thomas points out that India still needs to change its perception of creative careers. Many young, talented musicians are often discouraged from pursuing music professionally due to societal pressures. Thomas believes that with more encouragement from families and institutions, Indian composers could achieve significant global success.
Looking to the future, Thomas is excited about working on scores for films and television, collaborating with filmmakers across the globe. She aims to contribute to narratives that resonate deeply with audiences, crafting music that enhances the film and leaves a lasting emotional impact.
