The Flying Gold of Arabuko (2020) is a short film whose subject focuses on butterfly farming in the Arabuko Sokoke forest of Kenya. Directed by John Davies, a student at the UK’s National Film and Television School, the BAFTA-nominated film follows butterfly catchers and farmers working as part of a project that promotes a link between butterfly conservation and work that benefits local communities: most of the farmers were previously involved in forest destruction.
The music is composed by London-based composer Madison Willing who, it is clear from her engaging score, has been inspired by Davies’ cinematography and the documentary’s subject. Willing’s score – as heard on Records DK’s digital release – runs for only 6 minutes but even in such a short time she can capture and convey the elegance and ethereal beauty of these insects. “Arabuko” opens with a delicate and expressive motif in the flute. The fluttering woodwind phrases conjure images of tissue-thin wingbeats and accompanying slow meandering strings musically support and raise the quivering strokes. It is a lovely soundscape that is continued into the second track, “The Butterflies” where shimmering strings and solo violin – barely audible – reinforces the diaphanous nature of the butterfly’s flight. The final track, “Flying Gold” brings the album to a close and Willing strips away the flute to leave strings to take centre stage, ending the score with a reverential quality. The inclusion of a piano towards the end of “Flying Gold” feels a bit too intrusive after having previously established such a powerful soundscape.
The Flying Gold of Arabuko is likely to be missed by most people but it would be a mistake to pass it by. Yes, the score only plays for a little over 6 minutes, but I think that these few minutes are used to great effect. Willing’s music is a tonic for today’s uncertainties and allows the listener to partition away worries and instead relax for a few moments. And the score’s short enough for it to help recharge the batteries at any time.
Rating: ****
- Arabuko (1:26)
- The Butterflies (2:27)
- Flying Gold (2:18)
Running Time: 6:13
Records DK (2020)
Reel Music 