
A LEGACY OF US
Shortfilm (2021)
Director: Derek Nguyen
Credit: Composer - Original Soundtrack
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The film reflects on the experiences of a Vietnamese mother and her American-raised daughter, weaving together memory, loss, and rediscovery. It explores themes of family, identity, and cultural heritage.
I composed the original soundtrack for this drama, blending elements of Asian music with modern film score techniques to enhance the emotional depth.
Soundtrack and Recognition
The original score for A Legacy of Us was a deeply personal project for me, blending traditional Asian influences with modern film scoring techniques to complement the film's emotional core.
Receiving a nomination at the 2021 Hollywood Music in Media Awards for Best Original Score for a Short Film was an unexpected honor and a moment of immense gratitude.
Even thought I didn't receive the award, this recognition reminded me of the importance of storytelling through music and how even a small, intimate project can resonate with wider audiences.

As the contents of the letter tumble out, Esteban Tamashiro’s composition plays along. It is distant, yet familiar. A faint, but an unmistakable ode to the Orient. The music is soulful as it intermingles with the narration and composition of the film.

Behind-the-Scenes of the Music Process
I believe that the success of a soundtrack doesn't rely solely on the virtuosity of the composer but on the ability to deeply understand the film’s core essence.
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Reflecting the film’s dual-cultural identity was central to developing the score. Traditional Asian influences were blended with a modern cinematic approach to underline the story’s emotional and cultural nuances. This fusion allowed the music to mirror the intimate journey of the characters while honoring the broader themes of identity and memory. ​​​