New York, October 28, 2024 – Rubén Gallardo has been awarded Best Soundtrack at the fifth edition of the prestigious New York City International Films InFest Festival (NYCIFIF), an IMDb-recognized international event that annually honors the best in independent cinema. His win for the score of Mirror Stacy, a fantasy drama that explores mental health and self-discovery, solidifies his standing on the international film scene and celebrates his artistic talent, which has made a lasting impact through his musical sensitivity and narrative focus.
Films InFest: A Festival with Purpose and Mission
Based in New York, the festival is widely known for celebrating innovation, authenticity, and creativity in auteur cinema and emerging talent. NYCIFIF is grounded in an artistic manifesto, originally endorsed in its first edition in 2017 by acclaimed actress Claudia Cardinale in Palma de Mallorca, who emphasized the importance of creating genuine art with “roots of its own, unafraid of the truth,” rather than prefabricated products. This spirit of authenticity continues to guide the festival and resonates with artists like Gallardo, who bring unique, profound narratives to cinema.
Held in the vibrant city of New York, the festival not only screens high-quality films but also provides a space for filmmakers and industry professionals worldwide to showcase their work and grow professionally. This multicultural and international setting adds significant weight to Gallardo’s award, reflecting global recognition in a highly competitive arena. Finalists in this year’s edition featured innovative projects across various genres, from psychological suspense to dramatic comedy and fantasy, including four of Gallardo’s compositions: Amy, Key Lime Pie, Mirror Stacy, and A Mother’s Love.
Due to prior commitments, Rubén was unfortunately unable to attend the awards ceremony. In his place, director Arabella Sharkey, along with the film’s producer, Patrice Yip, accepted the award on his behalf. During the ceremony, they highlighted Rubén’s meticulous and moving work on the soundtrack, expressing gratitude for being part of the festival and sharing this recognition with the rest of the team, celebrating the collective effort behind the project.
Arabella Sharkey, director of Mirror Stacy receiving the award.
Mirror Stacy: A Soundtrack Reflecting Struggle and Hope
Mirror Stacy follows Stacy, a woman on the brink of suicide who encounters a younger version of herself in an almost dreamlike meeting that transports her back to her childhood. With subtlety and depth, director Arabella Sharkey addresses themes of mental health and recovery, and Gallardo’s music captures the ambiguity and sensitivity of this experience, conveying the emotional complexity of the story through a soundtrack that balances fantasy with reality.
The festival’s critics praised Gallardo’s ability to “blend fantasy and reality in a credible and effective way,” giving the story a uniquely introspective dimension. The soundtrack enhances the short’s narrative, enriching each scene with introspective, emotional melodies that capture the protagonist’s struggles and healing journey.
Pictures from Mirror Stacy
Rubén Gallardo’s Journey: A Composer Breaking Boundaries
Born in Mallorca in 1992, Rubén Gallardo embarked on his musical journey from an early age, influenced by a family passionate about culture and the arts. Over the years, he has explored various artistic disciplines, which has enabled him to develop a distinctive style in his music composition.
Since 2017, when he received his first award for Best Soundtrack at Mallorca’s Films InFest, Gallardo has focused his career on composing for film, seeking to create music that not only accompanies the visuals but also becomes an integral part of the cinematic narrative.
Over the past two years, his career has reached new heights with his growing international exposure. His participation in the New York City International Films InFest Festival has been a milestone in his career, with multiple nominations and recognitions domestically that have now crossed borders, allowing him to showcase his talent on a global stage.
In this fifth edition of NYCIFIF, held last Tuesday, his work on Mirror Stacy earned him the Best Soundtrack award. It is also important to highlight his work on Key Lime Pie, which won the Best Spanish Short Film award at the same festival, marking his debut in the American market. This project has been instrumental in his professional growth, as it represents a significant step in his international career, bringing him to work in one of the world’s most iconic and culturally rich cities.
The Mirror Stacy Soundtrack: The Creative Process
Gallardo shared that creating the music for Mirror Stacy was a deep process, where he focused on musically expressing the protagonist’s despair and eventual recovery. The score incorporates both traditional instruments and electronic elements, crafting a unique atmosphere that reflects Stacy’s shifting emotional states. To achieve this balance, the composer integrated sound elements that oscillate between melancholy and hope, allowing each scene to become an even more immersive emotional experience for the viewer.
“Music must communicate what words and images cannot fully express. In Mirror Stacy, I aimed to capture the protagonist’s inner struggle and give it a voice that, through music, guides the audience on her journey toward reconciling with her past,” Gallardo stated in a recent interview.
A Promising Career and a Bright Future
This recent award and recognition mark a significant milestone in Rubén’s career. The award not only highlights his talent and distinctive approach but also underscores the importance of composition as a fundamental pillar in audiovisual storytelling. Gallardo continues to develop his musical vision through a series of cinematic and stage projects across various genres.
His ambition is clear: to contribute works that are authentic and resonate deeply with viewers.
Throughout his career, Gallardo has garnered numerous awards and nominations, establishing his reputation as one of the most outstanding composers of his generation. This series of recognitions reflects his dedication and talent, driving his career toward new opportunities and collaborations in the film industry.
As he continues to explore his creativity and expand his horizons, Rubén is determined to leave a lasting impact on the musical and cinematic landscape, creating works that resonate in the hearts of audiences worldwide.cinematográfico, creando obras que resuenen en el corazón del público alrededor del mundo.