directors profile - joaquin buan

Joaquin Buan is a 22-year-old filmmaker born in San Diego and raised in the Philippines.
Inspired by his father, a former director, Joaquin developed a deep passion for film growing up being exposed to deep-cut films by his Dad. In his childhood instead of video games, Joaquin found joy indulging in movies and discovering new artists making music.
 
Specializing in cinematography and editing, he aims to innovate and push creative boundaries in music videos, short films, and narrative storytelling.
Joaquin Buan is a passionate and evolving cinematographer and director who blends ambitious ideas with creative experimentation. His approach to storytelling leans into the unorthodox creating worlds out of his wildest ideas. Refusing to settle for big budgets and practical effects. 
With a strong background in editing across multiple platforms, Joaquin considers post-production his sharpest technical skill. Whether he’s behind the camera or at the editing desk, he’s driven by the challenge of turning ideas into a video. 
At his core, Joaquin’s visual philosophy is rooted in joy and expression. He’s passionate about creating work that reflects what makes him happy and sharing that feeling with others. “Life should be about having fun,” he says. “If I can make something that looks and sounds cool, and someone else feels that too, then I’ve done my job.”
He’s especially drawn to low-budget productions, where limitations push him to be more resourceful and inventive. Every project becomes a challenge to top his last, discovering new ways to elevate an idea through pure creativity.
Music videos are where Joaquin feels most at home. “Whenever I hear a song, I immediately see motion.” he says. “I try to hear the rhythm and drum patterns in a visual way to give sound a shape on screen.”
Joaquin has worked on a variety of shoots for signed artists, dance teams, big corporations, and short films. In narrative film, he’s been the Director of Photography for several short films.
He’s currently studying AB Film at Meridian International College, where he’s expanding his knowledge of both the creative and business sides of filmmaking.
His influences include the surreal worlds of Yorgos Lanthimos, the bold cinematography of Chayse Irvin, and the forward-thinking styles of directors like Cole Bennett, Lone Wolf, Drew Cronin, and Walker Andrews (Caprice Cinema).
Looking forward, Joaquin aims to keep his art bold and experimental. For him, music videos aren’t just promotional. They’re short films in their own right. Each one is a chance to build a world where sound and vision meet in unexpected ways. 

He wants to achieve all his goals and dreams and reach his vision of success and inspire kids like himself.