Gibraltarian composer and musician John Adam Mascarenhas has been recognised for his contribution to the musical arrangement for a song that featured in a short film entitled ‘Referéndum’.
John was born in Gibraltar and started playing the piano at age six, singing and playing different instruments such as the guitar, flute and bagpipes before going on to write his first composition at the age of thirteen.“Like most, I formed bands just for fun to play for friends but always dreaming of becoming an international star.
John explains that in collaboration with his wife Teresa they mainly compose Celtic Music but that they also write in different styles. “Teresa usually writes the lyrics of the songs and helps me with the arrangements. She also writes poetry and she has a poetry book published called ‘Latidos’.
They work together with other composers from Costa Rica and Nicaragua and have many more projectscoming up in the near future. “Another song of ours is going to be used for a documentary in Spain.
At an exclusive awards ceremony at the IX RACCORD Gala held in Zaragoza on Saturday 3rd June 2023, third and fourth year students from the Audiovisual Communication degree course at the San Jorge University were recognised for their entries in different categories.
‘Referéndum’ was the big winner of the night, receiving 5 awards:Best Director of Photography to Iván Martínez together with Alejandro Garín from Habitación 112; Best Editing, Best Direction and Best Short Film to Javito.
The original song “Paz, Amor, y Libertad” (Peace, Love, and Freedom) by John Adam Mascarenhas that featured at the end of the short film was highly acclaimed by the distinguished audience, along with the soundtrack by Fernando Rouco.
The lyrics of the song were written by the playwright, international columnist and composer, José Luís Ortiz Güell, who has spent many years writing books, including ‘Soledad: querida dictadura’under the pseudonym of Paolo Da Santos and “Puente de niebla”, which bears his name. As part of his work as a journalist he has just received the world prize for excellence in journalism ‘Cesar Vallejo’.
Jose Luis has also been recognised for the brilliant role he played in Referéndum, which reflects his great acting skills. Among the different nominations at the IX RACCORD Gala, Fernando Bernués co-star ofReferéndum, was amongst those that stood out.
Referéndum will continue to participate in the main Spanish and international festivals and it is expected to be one of the best short films of the year 2023 in Spain.
