Nick Cave and Warren Ellis have composed the score for new documentary Les Panthère Des Neiges ("The Snow Panther"). Directed by Marie Amiguet, the film follows wildlife photographer Vincent Munier and writer Sylvain Tesson's quest to find the elusive snow leopard in the Tibetan Highlands. From the synopsis: "[Munier] introduces [Tesson] to the subtle art of waiting from a blind spot, tracking animals and finding the patience to catch sight of the beasts.Through their journey in the Tibetan peaks, inhabited by invisible presences, the two men engage in a conversation on our place among the living beings and celebrate the beauty of the world."
“There is something about the heart of this film that draws you in," says Ellis. "I realised after a day, that I wanted to do whatever it took to compose an entire original score. The film deserved to have its own musical voice. I booked five days and asked Nick if he could come in for a day to write a theme song and play some piano. He saw the film and stayed for four days." Ellis adds, "In the end we made what I think is one of the most beautiful films we have ever worked on. One of my favourite experiences ever working on a project. The stars are the animals in all their wild glory, as we have never seen them before, and man in reverence and wonder.”