Kean Cipriano
It may sound like a cliché, but all this rocker really wants is to direct.
Singer Kean Cipriano, who has already tried acting, aims to work full-time behind the camera someday.
Proving that this career shift was no passing fancy, the vocalist of the band Callalily took an “intensive filmmaking” course at the Mowelfund Film Institute, under such esteemed mentors as Peque Gallaga and the late Soxie Topacio, immediately after playing a wannabe director in the 2011 Cinemalaya movie, “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank.”
It was as if his fictional role crossed over to real life.
“I learned a little bit of everything from the masters,” he recalled his Mowelfund stint.
He admitted that he had zero expertise on the set of his first directorial job, “Darating,” a music video for singer Ney Dimaculangan and rappers Dello and Kleggy four years ago. Later, he directed videos for KZ Tandingan (“Labo”), Sam Milby (“Tunay na Pag-ibig”), Tony Labrusca (“Tanging Ikaw”) and, of course, his own band Callalily.
He envisions directing as a natural extension of his music. He explained, “Expressing yourself through art is always exciting. As long as I can share myself through art … I will be content. I consider myself lucky because not everyone is given this opportunity.”
His big dream remains to be directing a full-length feature film. “I want to make a movie that’s music-based. Something like ‘Begin Again.’ Or maybe a romantic-comedy—a modern take on relationships.”
He pointed out that his latest acting gig, Miguel Franco Michelena’s debut movie “Triptiko,” precisely seeks to dish out fresh fare—an unfamiliar dish compared to tried-and-tested recipes. “Although I am not into classifying films as mainstream or independent … I am all for unconventional stories. Look at ‘Septic Tank.’ From Cinemalaya, it crossed over to the Metro Manila Film Festival. We have to keep offering something new to the audience.”
A trilogy that also features Albie Casiño and Joseph
Marco, “Triptiko” is an entry in the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino, which runs from Aug. 16 to 23.
In the episode “Musikerong John,” the rocker didn’t have to venture far from his world. “But the twist is, instead of rock, I play a guy who’s into folk music. That’s the beauty of acting, you get to experience things that you don’t expect you can do.”
It is always refreshing to work with young filmmakers like Michelena, he remarked. “He was so chill on the set. Even if the situation was super stressful, he kept calm.”
He also appreciated the newbie director’s “collaborative” approach to filmmaking. “He was so new school,” he quipped. “We talked about each scene. He asked his actors to give suggestions.” To top it off, the budding director “is talented and has good taste,” Cipriano said.
He found a kindred spirit in onscreen partner Kylie Padilla, as well. “We clicked instantly. Between takes, we discussed art, poetry, music, movies.”
Kean Cipriano (right) and Kylie Padilla in “Triptiko”
He described himself as an incorrigible “multitasker” with myriad interests.
When he goes home, however, the singer-actor and aspiring filmmaker gets to play his most cherished role yet—as father to baby Stellar and husband to wife Chynna Ortaleza.
Stellar, who’s now 1 year and 3 months old, is growing up to be a “naughty, bubbly” child. “She’s a very happy kid.”
“It’s never easy, but it’s always rewarding,” he said of fatherhood. “Chynna and I are having the time of our lives.”
His tips to other young parents? “Always trust your instinct. Your only concern should be your kid. So take your cue from your child. Plus, never forget to have fun and love your partner!”