The hum of anticipation filled the air at the Palm Springs International ShortFest on June 25, 2025, as the lights dimmed in the Festival Theaters. Among the 311 films from 64 countries showcased at the 31st annual event, one short stood out for its hauntingly beautiful score: Tides of Tomorrow. Directed by a close college friend of Kit Foster, the 15-minute film tells the poignant story of a small coastal community grappling with rising sea levels, blending environmental urgency with human resilience. But what caught the audience’s attention wasn’t just the narrative—it was the evocative music, crafted by an unlikely source: Kit, the 27-year-old architect son of Jodie Foster. Known for designing sustainable buildings, Kit’s foray into film composition has added a surprising new layer to his multifaceted career, earning praise and turning heads at one of North America’s premier short film festivals.

Kit’s journey into music composition began far from the glitz of Hollywood or the arid landscapes of Palm Springs. Raised in Los Angeles by Jodie Foster and her wife, Alexandra Hedison, Kit grew up surrounded by creativity, though his early passions leaned toward structure and design. A graduate of the Southern California Institute of Architecture, he’s spent the past three years building a reputation in eco-friendly architecture, working on projects that minimize environmental impact. Yet, music has always been his quiet escape. Since childhood, he’s played piano and guitar, self-taught through hours of practice in a small home studio. “It’s my way of unwinding after a long day of blueprints and client meetings,” he told Billboard in a recent interview, his voice carrying a mix of humility and pride. “I never imagined it would lead me here.”

The opportunity to score Tides of Tomorrow came unexpectedly. The film’s director, Mia Delgado, was a classmate from Kit’s university days, where they bonded over late-night study sessions and shared dreams of making a difference. When Mia approached him with the script in early 2024, she needed a score that mirrored the film’s emotional tides—hopeful yet tinged with loss. “I knew Kit had a musical side,” Mia said in a post-screening Q&A. “But I didn’t expect him to dive in so deeply.” Intrigued by the project’s environmental theme, which aligned with his architectural ethos, Kit agreed. What followed was a six-month labor of love, with Kit composing and recording the soundtrack in his home studio, a modest setup with a keyboard, guitar, and basic recording software.

Tides of Tomorrow follows a fictional fishing village as its residents face the encroaching ocean, forced to adapt or abandon their homes. The film’s visuals—crashing waves, weathered boats, and tearful farewells—pair seamlessly with Kit’s score, a blend of melancholic piano melodies and subtle guitar riffs. He drew inspiration from ambient artists like Max Richter, whose works like Sleep and The Leftovers soundtrack are known for their emotional depth. “I wanted the music to feel like a character,” Kit explained to Billboard. “It’s not just background—it’s the heartbeat of their struggle.” The result is a score that critics have lauded as “intimate yet expansive,” with Variety noting its ability to “elevate the film’s quiet moments into something profound.”

Kit’s process was hands-on and unorthodox. Working late into the night after architectural deadlines, he experimented with layers of sound, often recording multiple takes to capture the right mood. “I’d play a piano line, then add a guitar overlay, tweaking it until it felt right,” he said. He shared rough drafts with Mia via email, refining the tracks based on her feedback. The lack of a professional studio didn’t deter him; instead, it added a raw authenticity to the music. “There’s a charm in the imperfections,” Mia noted. “It feels personal, like the community in the film.” The score, clocking in at just under 15 minutes, includes a standout piece, “Rising Waters,” a slow-building track that crescendos with strings Kit synthesized himself, leaving audiences visibly moved during the Palm Springs screening.

The Palm Springs International ShortFest, held from June 24-30, 2025, provided the perfect stage for Tides of Tomorrow. The festival, known for its diverse lineup of 311 films from 64 countries, including 45 world premieres, celebrated short-form cinema with a mix of comedies, thrillers, and documentaries. Tides of Tomorrow, a U.S. entry, earned a California Premiere status, reflecting its regional relevance and Kit’s local ties. The film’s environmental narrative resonated with the festival’s audience, many of whom praised its timely message. “It’s a wake-up call wrapped in a beautiful story,” one attendee posted on X. Kit attended the screening, sitting quietly in the back, his nerves evident as the credits rolled to applause.

Critics were quick to highlight Kit’s contribution. The Hollywood Reporter called the score “a surprising highlight,” comparing it to Richter’s minimalist style while noting its unique voice. “For a first-time composer, Kit Foster brings a maturity that belies his inexperience,” the review read. Other outlets, like IndieWire, praised the score’s emotional resonance, suggesting it could inspire future film projects. Yet, Kit remains modest. “I’m not planning to become a professional musician,” he told Billboard. “This was about helping a friend and telling a story that matters. The reception has been overwhelming, though.” His lack of ambition for a music career contrasts with his mother’s storied path, but it underscores his focus on purpose over fame.

Jodie Foster’s influence looms large, though indirectly. Known for encouraging her children to explore diverse creative outlets, she’s been a silent supporter of Kit’s endeavors. At the Palm Springs screening, she attended with Alexandra Hedison, sitting among the crowd rather than the VIP section. Post-screening, she was overheard praising Kit’s work to a fellow attendee, saying, “He’s got a gift for capturing emotion—I’m so proud.” The couple’s presence added a touch of Hollywood glamour to the event, though Jodie avoided the spotlight, letting Kit’s achievement take center stage. “She’s always pushed us to find our own way,” Kit said, smiling. “This is mine, at least for now.”

Kit’s dual career path—architecture by day, music by night—reflects a balance of practicality and passion. His architectural work, focused on sustainable design, complements the environmental theme of Tides of Tomorrow. “There’s a synergy there,” he noted. “Both are about building something lasting, whether it’s a structure or a feeling.” The film’s success at Palm Springs, where it received a Special Mention in the Environmental Impact category, has sparked interest from other filmmakers. Mia revealed that a distributor approached them about a potential online release, with Kit’s score as a key selling point. “We’re considering it,” she said, “but Kit’s the one who’d have to sign off.”

The score’s creation process wasn’t without challenges. Kit juggled his architectural commitments, including a deadline for a green housing project in Los Angeles, with late-night recording sessions. “There were nights I barely slept,” he admitted. Technical limitations also tested him; his home studio lacked the polish of professional setups, requiring him to learn sound mixing on the fly. Yet, these hurdles shaped the score’s organic feel. “The imperfections are what make it real,” Mia echoed. The collaboration strengthened their friendship, with Kit crediting Mia’s vision for guiding his musical choices.

Beyond Palm Springs, Tides of Tomorrow has potential to reach wider audiences. The festival’s Video Library, open to industry professionals, offers a chance for exposure, though Kit remains cautious. “I’m flattered, but I’m not sure I’m ready for that leap,” he said. His focus remains on architecture, with music as a creative outlet rather than a career pivot. Still, the experience has left a mark. “If another project comes along with a story worth telling, I’d consider it,” he mused. Fans on X have already dubbed him “the architect of emotions,” a nickname that amuses him.

Jodie and Alexandra’s attendance at the screening underscored a family proud of Kit’s versatility. Alexandra, a photographer and filmmaker herself, reportedly discussed the score’s visual potential with Mia, hinting at a possible collaboration. For Kit, though, the moment was about the film’s message. “Climate change is real, and these communities need voices,” he told Billboard. “If my music helps amplify that, I’ve done my job.” As Tides of Tomorrow ripples beyond Palm Springs, Kit’s unexpected musical debut stands as a testament to the power of passion crossing disciplines, proving that creativity knows no bounds—even for the son of a Hollywood icon.