Happy Palace

Two siblings must reconcile with each other while overcoming their own troubled pasts as tensions reach a boiling point at the family restaurant following the mysterious death of their father.

The score for Happy Palace draws inspiration from a diverse array of Chinese musical genres, including Beijing Opera, Cantopop, traditional drum music, and the ancient art of 'rapping' known as Kuaiban. This fusion of influences, coupled with a contemporary and cinematic approach, results in a score that mirrors the film it accompanies — captivating, emotional, and distinctive.

The soundtrack features percussive pieces incorporating a sample library of kitchen sounds, resonant tones from an open grand piano installation by Pianodrome (specifically sampled for this film), and authentic performances by erhu player Liu Qing and Hong Kong singer Ling Tse. Traditional Chinese instruments such as the guzheng and erhu are played in unconventional ways, adding unique timbres and textures to the score, further enhancing its originality.

Erhu, kuaiban: Liu Qing
Vocals: Ling Tse
Piano, strings, guitars, percussion, vocals: Adrian Leung
Sound mix: Sean Carey
Mastering: John Elleson-Hartley

“Adrian Leung's music is very fulfilling in all its musical details and effectiveness in the film.” - Joep de Bruijn (www.maintitles.net)

Happy Palace will be broadcast on NPO 3 on 8.30pm, 8th of February, 2024.

Production Company: DOXY FIXY
Directed by Nicole Von Kilsdonk
Written by Yan Ting Yuen and Ilse Ott
Edited by Chee-Han Kartosen-Wong
Music Supervision by Bell Music Supervision
Festivals: Cinemasia Film Festival (Opening Film), Nederlands Film Festival