'Music to Die For' explores the theme of music as identity, and the consequences of what can happen when the arts and politics become intertwined to the point of being inseparable. The story was partly inspired by Rebecca's experience growing up and beginning a music career in Derry in Northern Ireland in the years following the end of The Troubles. She noticed how music was sometimes divided according to political affiliations and could influence what pieces she chose to play at performances. However, the music could also allow the divisions to disappear, letting the entire audience appreciate it regardless of their beliefs. The story is also loosely based on the real-life Miami Showband killings, when three members of the aforementioned Irish band were murdered in 1975 by the Britain-supporting UVF after a performance in Co. Down. 

The entirely diegetic soundtrack made up of original songs and instrumental pieces incorporates jazz/blues influences, as well as Irish traditional music. It serves to celebrate Derry's present day music scene and ground the film in its Irish vision. Rebecca is never sure whether or not to call the film a musical - she likes to leave it up to the viewer to decide for themselves! 

Rebecca hopes 'Music to Die For' will be a thought-provoking - and ultimately hopeful - film about music and identity. Although a Northern Irish vision, its themes of coping with grief and the past, and the role music plays in people’s lives, means viewers can appreciate it regardless of their nationality. She wants the story to celebrate the musical culture of NI and demonstrate the power of music in transcending the darkest of events. 

About the Film

Rebecca is an award-winning composer and filmmaker originally from Ireland and now based in London. She runs the production company Cantilena Pictures which focusses on making music-themed films. Her debut short film 'Resonance' (2021) was produced with support from Eastside and the Arts Council NI. It premiered at the BIFA-qualifying NEIFF, and received multiple nominations at the inaugural British Short Film Awards and the International Sound & Film Music Festival. 'Music to Die For' is Rebecca's second short film and is currently on its festival run; it recently won Best Woman Short Film at Chandler Film Festival and secured Rebecca her second ISFMF nomination. 

As a composer, Rebecca has scored films have screened at Oscar, BAFTA and BIFA-qualifying festivals, and her music has featured at the Edinburgh Fringe and on BBC Radio. Her compositional output includes short and feature films, theatre productions, podcasts, commercials and concert works. She is a graduate of the University of Cambridge (BA Music) and the University of Bristol (MA Film Composition). 

Meet the Filmmaker

A Northern Irish pianist seeks redemption for an attack on his former band during The Troubles when he unexpectedly encounters one of the bandmates at a gig years later.

Music to Die For

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Music to Die For

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