As the prestigious Academy Awards draw near, the spotlight turns towards composer Alphons Joseph, whose musical endeavors for the Hindi-language film “The Face of the Faceless” have resonated with the essence of the story it narrates. With three of his artistic compositions having secured a spot on the Oscar eligibility list for Best Original Song in 2024, Joseph’s work beams with the potential for cinematic acclaim.
Nestled in the quaint vicinity of an Indore village, Alphons Joseph began a unique musical journey, immersing himself in the world of indigenous tribal singers. These artists, for whom the rhythm of life is encapsulated in their music, offered Joseph a treasure trove of cultural sounds and influences. Spending time with these communities, he absorbed their musical ethos, observing the natural cadence of their lives that revolved around song and dance. “They are not wealthy but find in music an opulent source of joy,” Joseph remarks. “During their community gatherings, music comes to life; I have tried to capture that spirit in my work.”
The fruit of this immersive experience resulted in three songs that now stand among the elusive contenders for the Best Original Song category at the Academy Awards, bringing “The Face of the Faceless,” which stars the acclaimed Kerala State Film Award-winning actress Win C, into the international spotlight. Unfortunately, despite the recognition, the film did not make the final cut in the competition.
Of the songs submitted, one is particularly poignant—a tune sung in their native language by a woman from the village. “The track envelops a palpable rhythm and is a testament to the pure folk tradition. There was specific intent to not cloak the number in excessive cinematic flair, to preserve the authenticity of its narrative,” Joseph explains. He integrated the melodic beats played on local drums with subtle strings that envelop the simple yet powerful song structure.
The movie, “The Face of the Faceless,” is a cinematic portrayal of the life of Sr. Rani Maria, an Indian Catholic nun whose work transcended religious barriers and brought enlightenment and empowerment to marginalized communities. The narrative required a delicate musical touch, blending the rich traditions of Kerala with the broader Indian cultural soundscape. Joseph emphasized that the creative challenge was to remain true to the story, a sentiment that resonated with the Oscars’ stringent criteria for originality in music.
The preceding year’s victory of “Naatu Naatu” from RRR at the Oscars undoubtedly cast a shadow of inspiration for Indian filmmakers and music composers. When queried about whether the success influenced their decision to submit their work, Joseph responded with candor. “People debated the merit of ‘Naatu Naatu,’ but its unique rhythm and energy undoubtedly captured attention. It’s the originality that spoke to the audience,” he says. Similarly, for “The Face of the Faceless,” Joseph aspired to maintain an original sound that would echo the film’s emotional depth without overshadowing it.
This achievement for Joseph is impressive, positioning his work within a competitive landscape that typically sees scores of entries denied. To stand amongst 94 other compositions vying for the revered Oscar consideration is a defining moment for any artist. The fusion of folk elements with the cinematic narrative brings a distinct layer of storytelling to the audible experience.
“The Face of the Faceless” benefits from Joseph’s intricate understanding of how music can elevate film. With auditory contributions that serve the narrative first, Joseph’s compositions are not merely an accompaniment but a voice that leads audiences further into the heart of the film’s story. As the music from this poignant film resonates beyond its Indian roots, it carries with it the hopes of a nation’s cinema and the personal aspirations of a composer intent on supporting a story imbued with the universal language of music. Alphons Joseph’s songs may not have won the Oscar, but they have unequivocally won the hearts of listeners and remain a testament to his commitment to authenticity and emotional storytelling through music.
