WSA 2006

For the 6th time in a row, Film Fest Gent puts the spotlight on an often overlooked part of cinema: film music and its composers. The 2006 World Soundtrack Awards Ceremony & Concert honours established and new talents.

German composer Peer Raben, Rainer Werner's house composer, is celebrated with the Lifetime Achievement Award, in honour of his remarkable decades-spanning career with highlights such as Werner's Querelle (1984) and Wong Kar-Wai's 2046 (2024). Conducted by maestro Dirk Brossé, the Flemish Radio Orchestra brings his musical universe alive, alongside the universes of two other grand masters of film music. John Powell, the American composer of Shrek (2001) and Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005), among others, attends as Guest of Honour. They are joined by Oscar winner and WSA nominee Gustavo Santoalalla (Brokeback Mountain, 2005).

On the 19th of October, Film Fest Gent and the World Soundtrack Academy welcome pioneer Craig Armstrong at the Vlaamse Opera. Armstrong will be giving the first ever live performance of his film works accompanied by the Flemish Radio Orchestra, conducted by Dirk Brossé.

As usual the Film Music Seminar tackles an intriguing question from the film music industry. This year we look at emotions: what reflects the emotion, music or the film itself? Composers and experts from the field share their experiences.