Indian Composer Keziah Thomas Makes a Grand Cannes Debut with Two International Awards

Some debuts are memorable. Others rewrite expectations. For 22-year-old Keziah Thomas, her very first film score has become a passport to international acclaim. The young composer from Kerala has won Best Composer of the Future and Best Soundtrack at the World Film Festival in Cannes – Remember the Future 2026, making an unforgettable entry into the world of film music.Her hauntingly beautiful original score for the animated short film Milo, directed by Dillon Sharp, impressed juries on one of cinema's most celebrated platforms. At an age when many musicians are still searching for their breakthrough, Keziah has already carved out a place on the global stage.The recognition did not stop there. Her score for Milo was also selected as a semifinalist for Best Original Score at the Verona International Short Film Festival 2026 in Italy and received an Official Selection for Best Original Score at the Independent Shorts Awards International Film Festival 2026 in Los Angeles.A Journey Rooted in PassionBorn in Thiruvalla and raised in Bengaluru, Keziah grew up in a family that nurtured her artistic ambitions. Her parents' unwavering encouragement laid the foundation for a career driven by creativity and determination.Her passion for music eventually took her to the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she refined her craft among some of the world's most talented young musicians. The experience helped her discover her own musical voice and she understood that emotions expressed through music transcend cultures and languages.Speaking to The New Indian Express, Keziah shared that her creative process always begins with understanding the story before writing a single note. She explained that she spends considerable time studying the narrative, discussing the director's vision and identifying the emotional needs of every scene.For Milo, a story centred on a young boy, she carefully shaped the music to evolve alongside the protagonist's emotional journey, ensuring smooth transitions between different moods. The result was a soundtrack that resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike.Believing When Others Didn'tBehind the award-winning music lies a story of persistence. Like many artists, Keziah faced doubts about choosing music as a profession. Speaking to The New Indian Express, she recalled that many questioned whether composing could become a sustainable career. Yet, her love for storytelling through music kept her moving forward, helping her trust her own abilities despite uncertainty.That belief has now been rewarded on an international platform.A Global Recognition with Bigger Dreams AheadIronically, despite winning at Cannes, Keziah will not be present at the awards ceremony in France on July 31. She received news of her victory only recently, leaving too little time to secure a visa and complete travel arrangements. Even so, the international recognition marks the beginning of what promises to be an exciting career. Keziah hopes to compose music for films and series that tell meaningful stories while collaborating with filmmakers from around the world.Her journey sends a powerful message to aspiring musicians, especially those from smaller towns in Kerala that talent, perseverance and dedication can carry dreams far beyond geographical boundaries.