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Active as a film and multimedia composer for over 20 years, Javier Arau's music currently can be heard nationally on seasons 1-3 of the PBS documentary series "Films BYkids." Arau has written for feature-length films, shorts, documentaries, radio spots, and more. His projects have been seen at film festivals around the world, the Discovery Channel, Netflix, syndicated radio and other outlets.  Arau has collaborated with Oscar®-winning directors Albert Maysles and Joyce Chopra, film actor Ashley Judd, screenwriter Malia Scotch-Marmo, cinematographer Anastas Michos ASC, and many others. His work with PBS was selected for Emmy® Awards consideration.

Arau’s music involves careful research into each film's mission and subject matter, and each score he produces is distinctly personal. With a fluency that allows him to delve deeply into multiple genres, from grand orchestral and contemporary classical to modern jazz and pop electronica, final production moves far beyond the MIDI scoring now ubiquitous in popular culture, as Arau draws upon live performance elements to give his scores an artistic edge.

If you are interested in collaborating with Javier Arau on your next project, contact him here.


BYkids BHUTAN "Buddhism, Bhutan and Me"

Chris Rizzo, producer

Ashley Judd, narrator

original music by Javier Arau

theme music by Javier Arau

18-year-old Rinzin Jurmey from Bhutan became a monk when he was 11 years old. He travels between his monastery, village and the city, meeting with hip-hop dancers, video gamers, and sports fans to understand the intersection of tradition and pop culture. Guided by filmmaker Cat Papadimitriou, Jurmey explores how he--and his country--are preserving ancient practices while embracing globalization.


BYkids DISABILITY "Faith’s World"

Joyce Chopra, producer

Ashley Judd, narrator

original music by Javier Arau

theme music by Javier Arau

16-year-old Faith Guilbault from Baltimore, Maryland, who is visually impaired and has cerebral palsy, is resilient, adventurous and determined to realize her dreams. Mentored by filmmaker Joyce Chopra, Faith shines light on her world, inviting viewers to focus on the similarities rather than differences between people living with and without a disability.


BYkids SENEGAL "Walk on My Own"

Ashley Judd, narrator

original music by Javier Arau

theme music by Javier Arau

Had Senegalese teen Ndèye Fatou Fall been born several years earlier, she and her friends would have been subjected to child marriage and other rituals harmful to girls. Mentored by filmmaker Elizabeth Hummer, Ndèye Fatou shares how her village abandoned these practices, and the ways in which these cultural shifts have empowered and transformed her community.


BYkids NICARAGUA "My Beautiful Nicaragua"

Joyce Chopra, producer

Ashley Judd, narrator

original music by Javier Arau

theme music by Javier Arau

Coffee is a way of life for Edelsin Mendez, age 12, and her family in Nicaragua. But climate change and shifting weather patterns are contributing to a crop disease and threatening coffee production in her community. Mentored by filmmaker Joyce Chopra, Edelsin conveys how her community is striving to maintain its traditions and livelihood, while forging a sustainable future.


BYkids SERIES THEME

theme music by Javier Arau

Films BYkids, a collaboration between PBS THIRTEEN and the non-profit organization, BYkids, gives voice to youth from around the world. The series pairs teenagers from diverse cultures with accomplished filmmakers to create short personal documentaries that educate and encourage understanding about global issues. Ashley Judd serves as series narrator, introducing each 30-minute film in the series.


BYkids Brooklyn/YEMEN "Poet Against Prejudice"

Albert Maysles, producer

Ashley Judd, narrator

original music by Javier Arau

theme music by Javier Arau

Faiza Almontaser, a 17-year-old from New York City, immigrated with her family to the US from Yemen when she was in middle school, and she faced vicious bullying because of her Islamic identity. Mentored by the legendary pioneer of direct cinema, Albert Maysles, Faiza shows us her courageous and inspiring journey from victim to activist.

"Poet Against Prejudice" FILM CUES


BYkids COLOMBIA "Displaced But Not Defeated"

Susan Hoenig, producer

Ashley Judd, narrator

original music by Javier Arau

theme music by Javier Arau

For decades, Civil War in Colombia has displaced thousands of people like 16-year-old María Ceballos, who fled her home when guerrillas killed her father. Moving from gang-infested settlements to over-crowded rooms, María’s family finds comfort among fellow displaced families. Through her lens and mentored by filmmaker Susan Hoenig, María puts a human face on displacement

"Displaced But Not Defeated" FILM CUES


BYkids INDIA "Fire in Our Hearts"

Joyce Chopra, producer

Ashley Judd, narrator

original music by Javier Arau

theme music by Javier Arau

Like most girls from rural India, 16-year-old Jayshree Janu Kharpade never expected to get an education. Film mentor, Joyce Chopra, a pioneer of documentary film, helped Jayshree share her journey from illiterate laborer, to scholar and young activist – in this powerful story that illuminates the social and economic potential of educating girls in the developing world.

"Fire in Our Hearts" FILM CUES

 

INCIDENTAL MUSIC FOR "FREEDOMLAND" (UNUSED)

 

OTHER FILM PROJECT CUES (VARIOUS)