Diaspora, a film made without dialogue, actors, and using diorama instead of real locations, presents a minimalist world to the audience. The film tells the story of a family’s emigration to another country through music and visuals. Semih Alar, in this unique project, transforms the cultural estrangement and sense of displacement into a story told through the music of the film. The album, consisting of four tracks, not only captures the spirit of the film but also immerses the audience in the depths of this silent narrative.

Alar not only composed the music for Diaspora but also handled the sound design and foley recordings in his own studio. This process further deepens the impact of music and sound on the film’s narrative.

As you read on, you can immerse yourself in the atmospheric world of Diaspora. Listen to the album on Spotify and SoundCloud to experience the deep, evocative music that complements the film’s unique storytelling.

Spotify or Soundcloud

Film and Music Analysis

Film Plot and Spatial Narrative

Diaspora, while addressing a family’s emigration process and cultural conflicts, reaches the audience solely through visuals and music. The diorama settings used in the film offer a spatial narrative to the viewer, while Semih Alar’s music adds soul to these settings. The film’s use of diorama allows the audience’s imagination to roam free, and the music fills this void, deepening the narrative.

Musical Tracks and Their Meanings

Di: Encounter and Sense of Loss

The first track of the album, “Di,” translates to “to separate” or “to part” in many languages. This meaning reflects the uncertainty and anxiety at the beginning of the film and represents the process of the characters leaving one country. The slow tempo and dark tones of “Di” carry the emotional weight of a family’s step into a new land. Striking bass notes and tension-filled melodies deeply convey the sense of loss and uncertainty faced by the characters.

“Di” may not only represent separation and loss but also signal the beginning of a new unity. The tension and dark tones within the track could symbolize the challenges the characters face in adapting to a new place, and the unity and acceptance they experience once overcoming these challenges. Perhaps this track suggests that true separation does not exist, and every separation leads to a form of reunion.

As: Cultural Conflict and Inner Tension

“As,” meaning “earth” or “place” in many languages, addresses the themes of cultural conflict and settlement in the film. This track features a masterful blend of musical elements. Its dark and intense atmosphere reflects the pressures of adapting to a new culture while retaining ties to the old. “As” represents the efforts to establish and root oneself, while the slowly increasing tension mirrors the characters’ inner conflicts.

“As” could illustrate how music effectively captures the clash between old and new cultures and the internal tension experienced by the characters. The track’s name, meaning “earth” or “place,” might symbolize the characters’ quest to find their roots both physically and spiritually. In this sense, “As” deeply resonates with the process of building a new life and retaining traces of the old culture.

Po: Search for Belonging

“Po,” which means “end” or “transition” in many languages, reflects the search for belonging and the feeling of being trapped between two cultures. This track, with its emotionally charged melodies, portrays moments when characters deeply question where and how they will find themselves. The use of ethnic instruments in “Po” bridges the old and new worlds, while the slow-moving music conveys the heavy burden of the search for belonging.

Although “Po” means “end” or “finish,” it is the third track in the album. So, while it signifies an end, it is not an ending for this story. The artist might have wanted to emphasize that some endings or conclusions are not truly final. This implies that the characters’ story continues and may even hint at the beginning of a new chapter.

Ra: Inevitable Realities and Outcomes

The album’s final track, “Ra,” translates to “sun” or “light” in many cultures, reflecting the climax and resolution of the film. The track, with its dark and somber atmosphere, narrates the characters’ confrontation with inevitable realities. The gradually rising notes and deep bass prepare the audience for the film’s conclusion, deeply feeling the emotions of loss, longing, and acceptance experienced by the characters. “Ra” creates an emotional intensity in the film’s finale and leaves the audience with a sense of closure.

“Ra” musically reflects the inevitable truths and outcomes of the film’s climax while also representing a form of enlightenment and acceptance. The name “Ra,” meaning “sun,” could signify that the characters’ final confrontation with reality is a process of illumination and resolution. This track helps the audience deeply experience the emotional weight and resolution of the film’s conclusion.

Contribution of Musical Creativity to Silent Narrative

In terms of musical impact, Semih Alar’s success lies in carrying the narrative through music in the absence of dialogue and actors. Alar has masterfully taken on the challenging task of enriching a silent narrative with music. The music not only supports the narrative of the film but also takes the audience on a profound emotional journey.

Awards and Nominations

Semih Alar has won several international awards for his work on Diaspora. These include:

Music Sound Awards (2023)

Nomination: Best Sound Design

Winner: Best Short Film Music

Paris Short Film Awards (2023)

Winner: Winter Season Award — Best Original Music

The British Short Film Awards (2023)

Winner: Best Music

Winner: Best Sound

Munich Short Film Awards (2023)

Nomination: Best Composer

These awards further solidify Alar’s creative success and international prestige in Diaspora.

Diaspora, as a minimalist film, takes the audience on both a visual and auditory journey, with Semih Alar’s music becoming an indispensable part of this journey. With tracks like “Di,” “As,” “Po,” and “Ra,” Alar effectively conveys the emotional and cultural depths of the film through music, leading the audience on a cultural exploration. These pieces enhance the silent narrative of Diaspora, allowing for a deep understanding of the characters’ inner worlds and their cultural conflicts.

Sources

Alar, Semih Official Website

Alar, Semih. Diaspora Film Music. SoundCloud, Spotify.

Diaspora Film Official Website

International Film Music Academy (IFMA) — Awards and Nominations