Scoring The Bridge: A Musical Journey with East and West Influences
Creating the score for The Bridge was a uniquely meaningful project for me as a composer. Directed by my long-time collaborator, Evan Jackson Leong, The Bridge is a documentary that delves into the 50-year journey of East West Bank and the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community’s pursuit of the American dream. The film’s powerful story of cultural resilience and ambition inspired me to compose a score that would reflect the rich tapestry of East and West influences, both musically and thematically.
For this project, I blended traditional Eastern sounds with modern Western elements, creating a soundscape that mirrors the duality of heritage and identity experienced by the film’s subjects. The music moves between subtle, reflective tones and bold, expansive motifs, each crafted to resonate with the film’s narrative of community, triumph, and the complexities of navigating multiple identities in pursuit of success.
Scoring The Bridge allowed me to explore a fusion of styles and textures, from traditional instruments and melodies to contemporary synth layers and orchestration. Each composition was carefully crafted to embody the story’s cultural roots while also pushing forward, capturing the spirit of those who bridge two worlds. I wanted the score to feel both grounded and aspirational, just like the film’s narrative.
The Bridge is now available, and I am incredibly honored to have contributed to a documentary that not only tells an essential story but also celebrates the achievements of the AAPI community. I hope audiences find a deep connection in the music as they experience the film’s exploration of dreams, identity, and the bonds that unite us all.
To find where it is currently streaming (on Apple TV and Prime), visit the film’s official website and to listen to the soundtrack you can visit Spotify or Apple Music