John Psathas

Born in NZ to Greek immigrants, John Psathas knew at 12 that music would be his life. Since then, he has composed for drum, sax, orchestra, and the Athens Olympic Games' opening. Psathas was profiled in award-winning doco View from Olympus. In arts show The Gravy he can be seen working with band Little Bushman. To date he has scored the soundtracks for two features: western Good for Nothing and period drama White Lies.

One of the principal glories of the film is the score by John Psathas, in which genuine sweep and poetry are combined with affectionate send-ups of Ennio Morricone. It would be a major achievement for an experienced film composer; as a first film score, it's... little short of astonishing. American classical music critic Jim Svejda