Bystander

A bystander struggles to intervene after witnessing an Asian woman being racially abused, years after the pandemic.

As a person of Hong Kong heritage, I was personally drawn to this story about racial attacks against Asian people during the pandemic. Mahmut, the director, had done extensive research speaking with people who had experienced anti-Asian hate crimes and I felt that he portrayed the bystander effect in a very delicate, nuanced and realistic way. It really made me question what I would do in a similar situation.
Mahmut wanted the score to capture an emotional yet abstract sound through a minimalistic framework for the final moments of the film. I chose to combine organ, choral and ambient guitar sounds to capture this poignant moment, gently rising to the realisation of what’s happened.

Written & Directed by Mahmut Akay
Produced by Shaun Rhodes