A Longstanding Creative Partnership
In the landscape of modern cinema, few director-musician collaborations feel as organic or as enduring as the one between New York City-based artist Jordan Raf and filmmaker Kristoffer Borgli. While Raf’s appearance in Borgli’s latest feature, The Drama, might be a blink-and-you-miss-it moment—playing a wedding caterer who delivers the pivotal line, “We’re not a bar”—his influence on the director’s filmography runs much deeper.
Raf has appeared in nearly every one of Borgli’s major projects. From a “funny little” cameo in 2022’s Sick of Myself to his role as a “dream travel guru” in 2023’s Dream Scenario, Raf has become a recurring fixture in the director’s absurdist universe. This relationship, however, is not merely limited to on-screen appearances; it is a symbiotic exchange of creative energy that began years ago in the hills of Hollywood.
From Hollywood Parties to Sundance
The pair first crossed paths at a party in the late 2010s, a setting Raf describes as an Entourage-adjacent environment. At the time, both were hungry to create, despite not yet having established their footing in the industry. “At our cores, we’re both absurdists,” Raf notes. Their shared sensibilities led to the creation of the music video for “Scales of St. Michael,” a project that solidified their bond and eventually paved the way for Raf’s transition into acting.
“Meeting him has been one of the most consequential moments of my life,” Raf reflects. He credits Borgli with recognizing his acting potential, which led to his involvement in the short film Cult Member, a project that premiered at Sundance in 2019. This directing partnership has allowed both artists to explore the intersection of music and film, with Raf frequently contributing original tracks to Borgli’s projects.
The Sound of ‘The Drama’
For The Drama, Raf contributed the track “Sky Turns Red,” which underscores a bookstore scene where the central couple discusses their vows. The song, described by Raf as a timeless, crooning ballad, captures the apocalyptic feeling of a relationship in decline. It serves as a perfect sonic companion to the film’s exploration of moral ambiguity and the complexities of human connection.
Reflecting on the film’s themes, Raf views the story as an allegory for the current American cultural landscape. “It’s an allegory for America and this weird moral absolutism we have right now,” he says. “The hypocrisy of Alana Haim‘s character was really interesting to me. I think it’s a great allegory on hypocrisy and how we judge people in this cultural landscape.”
A Continued Evolution
As both artists continue to evolve, their collaboration remains a testament to the power of shared vision. Whether through a subtle cameo or a haunting musical contribution, Raf’s presence in Borgli’s work adds a layer of authenticity that resonates with audiences. As they continue to navigate the industry, one thing is certain: the creative dialogue between this musician and director is far from over.
