In the meticulously curated, often satirical worlds of Norwegian filmmaker Kristoffer Borgli, there is a recurring face that has become a subtle signature for those paying close attention. Jordan Raf, a musician whose sonic palette blends alternative R&B with the intimacy of bedroom pop, has evolved from a collaborator in music videos to a recurring presence in Borgli’s cinematic explorations of vanity, identity, and social performance.
The partnership between the two artists represents more than just a director utilizing a favorite actor; it is a creative kinship born from a mutual sense of displacement within the Los Angeles industry. For Raf, the collaboration with Borgli served as a bridge back to a childhood ambition of acting, whereas for Borgli, Raf provided a specific, modern energy that fits the director’s penchant for skewering contemporary prestige and persona.
Their professional intersection began not in a studio or a casting office, but at a high-profile party in the Hollywood Hills—an environment Raf describes as “Entourage-adjacent.” At the time, Raf was 23 and had recently released a record on a major label, while Borgli, then in his early 30s, was transitioning from commercial perform and short films, such as the Norwegian project WHATEVEREST, into the broader L.A. Creative scene.
From Music Videos to the Silver Screen
The initial spark of the Jordan Raf and Kristoffer Borgli collaboration was visual. Borgli had encountered Raf’s 2016 music video for “What You Desire,” a surreal piece filmed on a sand key in the Bahamas featuring Raf pretending to catch a giant fish with his bare hands. The eccentricity of the imagery resonated with Borgli’s own aesthetic sensibilities.
This led to a series of experimental collaborations, including a music video for “Scales of St. Michael” filmed in Raf’s hometown of San Diego. The production was characterized by the same bizarre juxtaposition Borgli often employs in his films, featuring Taiwanese bodybuilder Frank Yang within the domestic setting of Raf’s childhood home.
While Raf was primarily known as a musician during this period, Borgli recognized an innate acting sensibility in him. This observation shifted the trajectory of their relationship from director-and-artist to director-and-actor. The first major milestone of this transition occurred with the short film Cult Member, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2019.
A Shared Outsider Perspective
The bond between Raf and Borgli was cemented by a shared feeling of alienation. Both artists found themselves navigating the superficiality of the Los Angeles creative circles without feeling a kinship to the established “tribes” of musicians or directors. This shared perspective of being an outsider has informed the tone of their work together, often capturing the awkwardness and desperation inherent in the pursuit of fame and validation.
Raf’s transition into acting was not a pivot away from music, but rather an expansion of his artistic identity. By integrating his musical background with Borgli’s sharp, clinical direction, Raf has become a versatile tool in Borgli’s storytelling arsenal, appearing in various capacities across the director’s portfolio, including the acclaimed feature Sick of Myself (Syk Pike), where Borgli continues to explore the narcissism of the digital age.
Timeline of Key Collaborations
| Year | Project | Format | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | “What You Want” | Music Video | Initial point of connection; filmed in Bahamas. |
| Post-2016 | “Scales of St. Michael” | Music Video | Filmed in San Diego; featured Frank Yang. |
| 2019 | Cult Member | Short Film | Premiered at Sundance; Raf’s step into acting. |
| 2022 | Sick of Myself | Feature Film | Borgli’s major feature exploring vanity. |
The Impact of the Partnership
The collaboration matters because it exemplifies a modern approach to “auteur” filmmaking, where a director builds a recurring troupe of collaborators to create a consistent atmospheric language. Raf provides a grounded, yet slightly off-kilter presence that balances Borgli’s high-concept satire. For Raf, the partnership provided a professional sanctuary and a pathway to return to acting, a passion he had held since his teenage years.
As Borgli continues to gain international traction for his biting critiques of contemporary culture, the presence of Jordan Raf serves as a reminder of the organic, serendipitous beginnings of his current style. Their relationship underscores the importance of finding artistic peers who share a similar “mature taste” and a willingness to embrace the bizarre.
With Borgli’s rising profile in global cinema, the next phase of their collaboration will likely see Raf taking on more prominent roles as the director moves toward larger productions. While specific casting for upcoming projects has not been officially announced, the history of their partnership suggests that Raf will remain a key component of Borgli’s visual world.
Do you have a favorite Kristoffer Borgli film or a track by Jordan Raf? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
