From the halls of Rice University’s prestigious Shepherd School of Music to the ancient lands of Greece, Seth Ward has traversed an extraordinary journey—one that recently culminated in international recognition for his documentary *Odysseus Returns*. Directed and scored by Ward himself, and narrated by the legendary Morgan Freeman, this riveting film took home the award for Best Documentary at the International Epidaurus Film Festival in Athens, Greece.

The documentary delves into the fascinating—and controversial—discovery of what might be the tomb of Odysseus, the hero of Homer’s *The Odyssey*, found on the Greek island of Kefalonia. While many have traditionally believed Ithaki to be the home of Odysseus, *Odysseus Returns* explores new evidence, weaving together archaeology, history, and a dash of local drama, as the discovery remains contested by neighboring islands. But what truly sets this film apart is Ward’s double role as both the film’s director and its composer—an impressive feat that reflects not just his talent, but the depth of his training at Rice’s Shepherd School of Music.

From Houston to Greece: The Spark of Inspiration

Ward's journey toward making *Odysseus Returns* began with an unexpected tip from a friend whose family hailed from Kefalonia. Intrigued yet skeptical, Ward traveled to the island to see the controversial tomb firsthand. What he discovered, however, left him in awe. “Upon arrival with great skepticism, I was blown away by what I saw and heard,” Ward recalls. “Once I saw the tomb and met Makis Metaxas, the man behind its discovery, I knew I had a film.”

Ward’s instincts were right. The documentary brings to life the intense cultural and political rivalries that have overshadowed the discovery for over three decades. Featuring interviews with lead archaeologist Lazaros Kolonas, who famously collaborated with Jacques Cousteau, the film offers a comprehensive exploration of the find, blending history with modern-day conflicts.

A Musical Director’s Challenge: Scoring and Directing

Not only did Ward direct the documentary, but he also composed the entire musical score—a demanding task that would push any artist to the limit. When Morgan Freeman’s production company, Revelations Entertainment, came on board, Ward secured distribution agreements with major platforms such as the History Channel in the UK and PBS/Amazon Prime in the U.S. However, the partnership came with one significant challenge: the History Channel demanded a faster turnaround than anticipated, leaving Ward with no time to hire an external composer.

“For about a month, I slept very little,” Ward admits. “I’m extremely happy to have scored the film, though I wouldn’t necessarily suggest doing both to anyone else!” Despite the pressure, Ward’s exceptional training at the Shepherd School prepared him to manage the dual roles with grace. “The experience I gained at Rice gave me the tools to handle tight deadlines and high standards,” he says.

Rice’s Impact on Ward’s Craft

Ward credits much of his success to his time at the Shepherd School of Music, where he earned his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in 2006. The mentorship and high expectations from faculty, including Professor Richard Lavenda, shaped him into the versatile artist he is today. Lavenda, a professor of composition and theory, remembers Ward’s rare ability to combine his passion for both film direction and musical composition. “It’s very unusual and very wonderful to see someone who directs and writes the score for the same project,” Lavenda notes.

Ward’s drive, creativity, and work ethic were evident even during his student days at Rice. “Seth is incredibly talented, but he also understands that success requires initiative, networking, and hard work,” Lavenda says. Ward’s ability to navigate both the artistic and business aspects of the entertainment world has made him a force to be reckoned with.

A Message for Aspiring Artists

Ward has some encouraging words for current students at the Shepherd School: “If you are studying composition at the Shepherd School, you are a tremendously fortunate artist,” he says. “Soak up all the experience you can from your professors—everything from score reading to music business. It will all help you tremendously in the future.”

For Ward, those lessons have certainly paid off. As he continues to make waves in both the film and music industries, he remains a proud alum of Rice University, grateful for the community and guidance that set him on his path to success.

A Bright Future Ahead

With *Odysseus Returns* now receiving global attention and critical acclaim, Seth Ward is poised to continue making significant contributions to the world of documentary filmmaking and music. His ability to seamlessly blend historical intrigue with a powerful narrative, all set to his own evocative score, makes him a standout in the entertainment world.

For those interested in catching a glimpse of the magic Ward has created, *Odysseus Returns* is available for streaming on PBS and Amazon Prime, offering viewers a chance to explore the mystery of Odysseus’s tomb and experience the passion and artistry of one of Rice’s most talented alumni.

For more info,  visit Rice.edu