Somtow Sucharitkul’s Award-Winning Music Video Breaks New Ground in Music, Film, and Genre

NATIONWIDE - NOVEMBER 2025 - (USAnews.com) In a world where creative boundaries are often stretched to their limits, few artists manage to break through with the depth and versatility seen in Somtow Sucharitkul’s latest endeavor. A composer, opera director, and filmmaker known for his groundbreaking work, Somtow has recently achieved remarkable recognition for his music video, “Doorway in the Dark,” a song that’s much more than just a melody, it's a tribute, a journey, and a genre-defying masterpiece.

Somtow’s journey into the world of film and music has always been marked by a sense of fearless exploration. As a National Artist of Thailand, his extensive portfolio spans from operatic compositions to science fiction novels written under the literary pseudonym S.P. Somtow. But his latest achievement with “Doorway in the Dark,” the theme song of his upcoming web series Club X: Vampire in the Closet, has taken his career into new, uncharted territory. The song, which is at the heart of a video that blends elements of gothic horror, personal grief, and lyrical depth, has garnered multiple prestigious awards in just a matter of weeks.

“I wanted to create something that honored my son, Mikey, whose passing left an indelible mark on my life,” Somtow explains. Mikey, who struggled with schizophrenia and often transcended the limits of gender expression, was the inspiration behind the song’s lyrics. “Mikey’s journey was as beautiful as it was tragic, like the music I create. This song is my tribute to him.”

The music video itself, which has won multiple awards, including Best Original Song at the Florence Film Awards, Gold for Best Music Video at both the London Movie Awards and Milan Gold Awards, and the Critics’ Circle Award for Best Music Video at the Bangkok Movie Awards, has captivated audiences and critics alike. The hauntingly beautiful composition is performed by Witwisit Hiranyawongkul, star of Love of Siam, with renowned conductor Trisdee na Patalung at the helm.

While the video has gained attention for its poignant emotional depth, the larger story behind the creation of “Doorway in the Dark” is even more compelling. The song was composed as part of a larger project, a web series Somtow is co-producing with Thai producer Pana Janviroj. The series, Club X: Vampire in the Closet, which draws on Somtow’s love of horror, science fiction, and genre-bending storytelling, merges a coming-of-age story with supernatural elements, making it stand apart in the crowded landscape of contemporary media.

Kim and Fluke, the young protagonists of “Doorway in the Dark.”

Somtow's decision to venture into the BL genre, an often romantic and emotional niche, was driven by his deep research into the tastes of global audiences, particularly those in the West. “I discovered that the BL genre, which deals with romantic relationships between young men, was gaining tremendous traction in the West. While this genre is well-established in Asia, especially in Japan, its international presence was still growing. I thought, why not blend it with my passion for horror and science fiction, and bring a fresh perspective?” he muses.

Thus, Club X was born: a thrilling series set in a Catholic boarding school in Thailand, featuring queer characters and supernatural intrigue. The show is already generating buzz on the Amazon Vella platform, with early installments having made their way onto the top ten list. As fans clamored for more, Somtow began production on the series, bringing together an eclectic mix of actors, including Sahajak Boonthanakit, known for his role in Thirteen Lives, and Jim Meesri from The Maestro: Symphony of Terror.

Somtow’s ability to merge genres and narratives has resulted in a truly unique creative product that stands apart in today’s saturated media landscape. Club X: Vampire in the Closet is not just a new series, it’s a symbol of innovation. It represents Somtow’s ongoing exploration of personal and artistic boundaries, and his commitment to creating art that resonates on a deeply human level.

The video for “Doorway in the Dark,” which is now available on YouTube, captures the essence of the song’s tribute to Mikey, blending the haunting melody with visuals that evoke both beauty and melancholy. The emotional gravity of the video is complemented by its rich, gothic aesthetic, bringing the song’s themes of loss, transformation, and the darkness within us all to life.

In addition to his work as a composer and filmmaker, Somtow continues to make waves in the classical music world as the director of Opera Siam and Siam Sinfonietta. Later this month, Somtow will be presenting a new production of his opera The Silent Prince, which has already garnered attention for its sophisticated themes and intricate score.

Looking forward, Somtow is also preparing a concert to honor the recently deceased Thai National Artist, Choochart Pitaksakorn, who was a key figure in Thailand’s music scene. The concert will feature the Thailand premieres of Mahler’s Fourth Symphony and Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, both works that Pitaksakorn conducted during his career.

Michael Shaowanasai, eccentric Thai independent filmmaker, plays an alien cardinal in “Club X.”

Somtow’s success is a testament to his unwavering passion for storytelling and his remarkable ability to blend different art forms and genres. Whether through opera, film, or music, Somtow has established himself as one of Thailand’s most versatile and innovative artists, a creative force whose impact continues to reverberate on both the local and global stage.

As for Club X and “Doorway in the Dark,” the journey has only just begun. Fans of Somtow’s work, both old and new, have a lot to look forward to in the months ahead. If his recent successes are any indication, Somtow’s path is bound for even greater recognition, as his creative empire continues to expand.

For a glimpse into the groundbreaking music video and to discover more about Somtow’s latest projects, visit Somtow's official website and explore the evocative world of Club X on YouTube.

Explore Somtow Sucharitkul’s award-winning music video "Doorway in the Dark" today and dive into the world of Club X: Vampire in the Closet. Stay tuned for more from this creative titan by visiting Somtow's website and following his journey in film, music, and opera.