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Sarunrat Ardpruksa
27 Sep 2024
This week on Friday Future List, we explore the inspiring journey of Christopher Janwong McKiggan, PhD, co-founder of the Piano Academy of Bangkok and CEO of Chris The Pianist Co Ltd.
Known for his talent as a classical pianist, Christopher has taken on multiple roles throughout his career, including that of an educator, entrepreneur and filmmaker. His most recent success—an award-winning documentary—highlights his ability to combine his passion for music and storytelling into powerful narratives that connect deeply with audiences.
“Life, much like art, is fragile, yet it holds the potential to be moulded and shaped into something powerful and enduring. But for both life and art to evolve into formidable forces of nature, they must first be carefully nurtured.”
Christopher’s musical career took flight after earning a PhD in Classical Piano Performance from Rice University. Following his academic achievement, he toured the US as a concert pianist. However, in a surprising turn, he decided to venture into filmmaking.
When asked about what inspired the transition from pianist to filmmaker, Christopher revealed that it all stemmed from a desire to diversify his career.
“My primary inspiration came from a deep-seated desire to support my family. While pursuing my Doctorate of Musical Arts, I befriended an American flautist who was part of the same programme. He once shared with me his philosophy of not wanting to keep all his eggs in one basket,”
Christopher explained. This perspective led him to explore film, an art form he had long admired, while still staying dedicated to his music career.
Despite being rooted in music, his approach to filmmaking was methodical and thoughtful.
“I began borrowing cameras from the school's digital media centre to practise filming and editing. This journey eventually led me to where I am today—simultaneously running productions and a music school,”
he shared.
With a strong foundation in classical music, Christopher has managed to integrate his musical expertise into his films. According to him, there are many parallels between composing a piece of music and directing a film. Both art forms, he believes, are
“experiences gained over time, engaging the audience in a journey.”
He elaborates,
“While an individual moment may be special, nothing is as captivating as the unfolding voyage of the art itself. The transformation of characters who embark on a long journey—whether expressed melodically or through the spoken word—can have a profound impact on people.”
His experience in expanding simple musical themes has enhanced his ability to develop complex, evolving characters in his films. This has allowed him to create films that resonate emotionally, guiding audiences through a deeply engaging artistic journey.
One of Christopher's most personal projects, Pain of Silence, was completed under extraordinary circumstances. Filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was a period of uncertainty not just for the world but also for Christopher, who was dealing with the premature birth of his son.
“The sudden birth of my son profoundly transformed my perspective, making me realise that my purpose extended beyond merely telling stories—I felt a deep calling to protect those in need,”
he reflects. This deep emotional experience undoubtedly shaped the tone and direction of Pain of Silence, a documentary that won Best Documentary at the Carmarthen Bay Film Festival, a BAFTA-qualifying festival. The film explores the vulnerabilities and fragility of life while celebrating its potential for endurance and transformation.
Despite the challenges, Christopher was deeply involved in all aspects of the film’s production—from directing to cinematography and even composing the soundtrack.
“As a pianist, I often operate as a solo artist, given that the pianist's role is frequently to emulate the combination of multiple instruments simultaneously—much like assuming multiple roles at once,”
he says. His ability to handle multiple roles as a filmmaker stems from the same focus and discipline he’s honed as a solo pianist.
Yet, over time, he has come to appreciate the value of collaboration.
“For great art to evolve, one must learn to trust others and allow them to contribute their input and even take the lead,”
he shares. While he still enjoys being hands-on, he acknowledges the importance of teamwork in his creative process.
Christopher's connection to art is rooted in family memories, particularly through his father’s love for the film The Seven Samurai.
“My father loved this movie with every fibre of his being, singing its theme song every single day,”
he recalls. In tribute to his father, Christopher composed a piece of music for his funeral, drawing inspiration from the film's main theme.
He believes that The Seven Samurai is a timeless masterpiece and continues to serve as a significant influence on his work.
“It’s not just one aspect that resonates with me, but the entire work. I truly believe that the modern epic would not exist in its current form without it,”
he reflects. The film’s ability to combine intimate storytelling with grand artistic themes is something he strives to achieve in his own work.
With one feature-length documentary under his belt, Christopher is already working on his next project, although he remains tight-lipped about its details.
“Unfortunately, I’m currently not at liberty to talk about the new project yet,”
he shares, hinting that it is a story he’s been eager to explore for some time.
In addition to his filmmaking endeavours, Christopher remains dedicated to his musical roots, particularly through his work at the Piano Academy of Bangkok. One of his long-term goals is to establish a platform that provides access to music education and equipment for aspiring young musicians, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds.
“I am currently exploring the idea of starting small by establishing a scholarship fund for aspiring pianists in the near future,”
he shares. His vision is to create a space where young classical musicians can engage with audiences in a way that empowers them both artistically and professionally.
Juggling multiple careers is no small feat, but Christopher credits his family for keeping him grounded.
“Maintaining a delicate balance between my various pursuits and personal life is paramount,”
he says. He admits that while work and personal life can often blend, he strives to keep them separate.
“My family is incredibly important to me, and I find that the time I spend with my wife and son enhances my creativity,”
he adds.
Being his own leader in both his music academy and production company allows him the flexibility to dedicate time to his family while also pursuing his various creative projects.
Whether on stage, behind the camera, or in the classroom, his work consistently inspires those around him, intertwining the worlds of music and film into a cohesive and impactful narrative.
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