Albert Chan Paran is a mad scientist in ‘Ann Kenstein’

CEBU, Philippines - After reaping awards as a gay construction worker in the short film “Julie” and as a make-up artist in “Ina-Tay,” Cebuano indie actor Albert Chan Paran returned as Doctor Anthony Walters in “Ann Kenstein” – playing a mad scientist who invents a formula to resurrect her deceased daughter Ann. It’s Frankenstein with a father-daughter twist, encapsulated in a seven-minute silent film.

The scenes for “Ann Kenstein” were shot at the studio of Film and Media Arts International Academy (FMA) last April 16. It was an entry to the 48-hour film challenge in Singapore and directed by FMA’s own product Rio Delizo.

The idea for the film challenge was to write the script, shoot the film and edit it with a time limit of 48 hours.

Competing at Scape Gallery Singapore last April 23, “Ann Kenstein” was  among the 33 short film entries from Asian countries. It was a nominee for the Best Film of 2016 and nabbed the Best Use of Character award.

“From the bottom of my heart, I was really praying hard to be given another international acting award and accolade in Singapore,” says Albert.

“It was mixed emotions when I found out from my pretty and dearest friend Ofie Estrada about the award. It was a big relief when I saw the list of winners from the website that the Best Actor category wasn’t included. It feels good to know and I can sleep well now.”

The movie’s production seemed like a whirlwind for Albert, with the pressure of a 48-hour deadline looming over their heads. He was just instructed to bring  long sleeves and a lab gown, meet with the whole team and his co-actress Jane Mantilla who played the role of his dead daughter.

“I didn’t even know how I was able to portray it. My hair and make-up and my costume as an insane scientist gave me much motivation, especially when I heard sad instrumental music in the background. It helped me draw out lot of emotions looking at my dead daughter and wanting her to come back from the dead,” says Albert.

Acting high

For Albert, living out his fantasies of acting in front the camera and getting recognized for it is short of a miracle. This fulfillment of his dreams made him further believe that when you pray and hold on to your uncompromised goals, everything will eventually fall into place.

“There’s a sense of fulfillment and I feel so blessed. A dreamer who lives his dream life in the real world,” Albert muses.

Shooting a movie, acting on a film and fleshing out a character has become his life’s purpose. An award on top of that is just icing on the cake.

“I don't know why, but acting for me is very addictive!” he exclaims. “The moment the camera rolls and I do my thing, it gives me so much power, energy and strength. I can’t literally describe it and somehow I want to keep it with me forever. It involves a different sense of high and you’ll be transported to a different world.”

He continues: “You're looking for it and you long for it after. Your level of energy is at the highest point and you feel empowered. You want to stay there...up there! I think this is a special kind of addiction when fulfillment, passion and love are mixed together. Now, I understand why there’s no retirement in this kind of profession until old age because you want it more. You want the people to see you, to watch you and to be entertained by you. I can fully comprehend why some actors may experience depression when they start to feel that they’re not as needed as they used to be.”

Right now, Albert is looking for a talent management agency that can further aid his acting aspirations. His goal is to continue starring in more works that will be recognized in the Philippines and abroad.

“I want to have international film in New York and Los Angeles after winning International Film Festival Manhattan New York City 2015 Best Actor for short film,” says Albert.

After starring in bit roles in movies since 1995 – for instance, in “Sana Maulit Muli” without any talent fee – Albert, a Communication Arts and Business Administration graduate, Albert is slowly making his mark with accolades including Best Actor in the 3rd Nabunturan Independent Film Exhibition 2015 in Nabunturan Compostela Valley, Best Actor in the 5th International Film Festival Manhattan New York 2015, 2016 awardee at the 8th Ani Ng Dangal (Harvest of Honors) for the international achievement in Cinema and a Presidential State Honor for achieving the highest levels of artistic excellence and bringing honor to the Philippines from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

Albert is an actor at Liquid Stencil Project, a founder and administrator of Cebu Filmmakers Club, and previously worked for M-ZET TV Productions, Inc., Act UP Productions, Visionary Elite, Little Big Girl Studios, Arcos Lineage Productions and a former game show host/ talk show host at ChannelFix.com.

“Believe in yourself and believe in your dreams. Dreams do come true when you believe. Hold on and never give up. Have the courage and strength that your time will come. Grab all the opportunities not for fame or money because it always follows,” the actor says. (FREEMAN)