The director in Xian Lim
Model, singer and actor Xian Lim is diving head-first into directing with “Tabon,” an official selection in no less than the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival next year.
Model, singer and actor Xian Lim is diving headfirst into directing with “Tabon,” an official selection in no less than the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival next year.
Previously, Xian directed several short films, as well as the music video for his single “Getting To Know Each Other Too Well.” He was part of Ricky Lee’s Batch 17 scriptwriting workshop. How is he as director? “I like looking for inner journey. I think my style as director is very emotional,” he explained. “I’m very specific to everything because I also want to be part of the writing process. So I already have a vision of what path a certain scene should take.”
“Tabon” is about a man whose belief is tested when suspects are accused of a crime they believe to not have committed. It is of the psychological hor- ror subgenre, Xian noted.
Later, Xian hopes to direct his own starrer. How about doing one with his rumored girlfriend actress Kim Chiu, we asked.
“Why not? I think that would be great if ever,” he said.
As usual, we asked him about their relationship.
“We’re very good, though lately we don’t spend much time together because we’re both busy with our respective careers.”
So, there.
‘Mr. Producer’
Being able to work with Sarah Geronimo and James Reid is wish granted for Xian. They are the lead stars of “Miss Granny,” a comedy-drama movie adaptation of the Korean film. “I’m very happy with this project. Even before, I’ve always wanted to work with Sarah,” he said. “James, on the other hand, I find him very cool. Working with these guys is very awesome. It was our first time to work together and we got along really well.” He finds Sarah “very madaldal.” “Whenever we look at her, our initial reaction is ‘She’s so quiet.’ But actually, she’s cheerful, has jolly personality.” The film marks his reunion with director Joyce Bernal, with whom he had worked in “Bakit Hindi Ka Crush Ng Crush Mo (2013) and “Everything About Her (2016).” Even now, Xian gets overwhelmed working with Joyce. “Direk Joyce is full of surprises. She’s unexpected and I can't say I already know everything about her directorial skills,” he disclosed. In “Granny,” Xian is Lorenz, a hotshot music producer.