From Whalesong To War Dance - Scoring Tonga: Where Time Begins
Tonga Tourism
Commissioned by Tonga Tourism, Where Time Begins is a cinematic tribute to the first place on Earth to greet the sun. Directed by Adam Slama and produced by Studio Khonsu, the film blends sweeping natural imagery with cultural depth, anchored by a soundscape built from Tonga’s land, sea, and people.
The Music
The score blends atmospheric textures with organic instrumentation, shaped from field recordings captured across Tonga. From underwater whale song to cathedral choirs and traditional chants, I structured the music around these elements, using them to guide the emotional rhythm of the film. I aimed to keep the story grounded and authentic while carrying the audience through its powerful emotional arc.
The Sound
The sound design draws directly from the environment—ocean tides, volcanic landscapes, breath, body, and movement. Each layer was built to mirror the film’s physical and emotional journey, from quiet reverence to the raw power of the Sipi Tau. The result is a soundtrack that doesn’t just accompany the visuals—it breathes life into them.