Indian classical music scores its way to international screens

Sitar player and composer Indro Roy-Chowdhury is making an impact on the international film scene with his score for Finding Comfort, a short film exploring loss and redemption. The film will have its European premiere at the Matera International Film Festival in Italy, following screenings in other locations.Finding Comfort has won Best Short Film at Austin ShortsFest, received a nomination at the Newark International Film Festival, and will be shown at the New York International Short Film Festival in October. Roy-Chowdhury’s music shapes the film’s emotional landscape, reflecting the protagonist’s journey through Manhattan’s open spaces and internal struggles.Drawing on Indian classical traditions while embracing a global sound, his compositions highlight key narrative moments and complement director Sameer Butt’s storytelling.Outside of film, Roy-Chowdhury explores music’s connection to well-being. His album Raga Veda uses traditional ragas to promote balance and reflection, a principle he applies to his film work as well.“Through my work, I maintain connections across geography and tradition, blending influences from Kolkata and New York and combining classical approaches with contemporary media. I integrate music as a companion to visual narratives,” he said.