“Masquerade”, Interview with Composer and Musician MOWG

In our captivating dialogue with MOWG, a distinguished composer and musician from South Korea, we delved into the intricate art of film scoring during the 23rd Korea Film Fest in Florence. MOWG expressed his enthusiasm for being in Italy, highlighting how the vibrant culture and exquisite cuisine fuel his artistic inspiration. As we explored his creative process, he provided insights into his collaboration with the acclaimed director Hwang Dong-hyuk on the powerful film “Silenced,” which addresses the deeply unsettling themes of child abuse. He found the narrative shocking, leading him to ingeniously blend a childlike atmosphere with haunting musical elements designed to evoke profound feelings of sadness and emotional depth in the audience.

From Silence to Sound: MOWG’s Film Scoring Journey at the 23rd Korea Film Fest

As we continued our discussion about his work on “Masquerade” MOWG elaborated on how historical contexts greatly influence his compositions. He draws from Korea’s rich musical heritage to craft scores that resonate with the film’s aesthetic, intertwining traditional melodies and instruments with compelling cinematic narratives. His experience working across diverse genres is reminiscent of meeting individuals from different worlds, allowing him to embrace a variety of influences that enrich and diversify his compositions.

Harmonizing History and Innovation: MOWG’s Diverse Musical Universe

MOWG also offered valuable insights into his approach to stylistic diversity, explaining how each director’s unique vision encourages him to innovate relentlessly. This dynamic creative process is particularly evident in his work for “I Saw the Devil,” where he artfully fused classical instruments with elements of Bossa Nova to construct an eerie yet captivating atmosphere. He revels in these challenges, showcasing his remarkable adaptability and unwavering commitment to creating distinctive soundscapes.

A surprising twist in our conversation unveiled MOWG‘s childhood fascination with classic European films, particularly the works of the celebrated director Michelangelo Antonioni. He reminisced about how his exposure to a myriad of cinematic styles has profoundly shaped his understanding of music as a visual language, emphasizing that he can connect with the emotional essence of a film without needing subtitles.

Recently, MOWG has been channeling his excitement into new projects, including an upcoming film directed by the renowned Park Hoon-jung, where he will step into the role of a serious killer. This marks a stark departure from his musical roles and adds an intriguing new chapter to his multifaceted career.

Unveiling the Sound of Silence

Reflecting on his experiences at the Korea Film Festival in Florence, MOWG mentioned his recent masterclass and how discussions surrounding Dante have ignited new musical curiosities within him. He expressed heartfelt gratitude for the cross-cultural influences that continually inspire his work, drawing inspiration from iconic figures such as Miles Davis and Ennio Morricone.

As he prepares for an exhilarating concert with the Florence Pops Orchestra, MOWG shared his enthusiasm for collaborating with an ensemble that breathes new life into his works. This partnership promises to create an unforgettable experience, both for the audience and for him as a composer.

In essence, MOWG’s journey through the realms of music and film embodies a thrilling exploration of sound and storytelling, showcasing his dedication to pushing artistic boundaries while engaging with a rich tapestry of cultural influences.

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