As I was programming and moderating a Q&A for Yale in Hollywood Fest, I asked Arnold Setiadi, director of Something Good Going On, whether the dad in the film was a well-known Indonesian actor—he was that good. To my surprise, Arnold told me the actor was actually someone within my own circle; I suddenly remembered Kaidy posting about his other short, Daly City, which was being FYC’d for the Oscars. Impressed by his performance, I reached out to him for an interview.
Tell us about your origin story… how did you end up in Los Angeles and become an actor and filmmaker?
KK: I graduated from Cal State U, Fullerton with a film degree in 97 and moved to LA to pursue filmmaking. I had taken acting classes here and there but never thought there was such a thing as an actor. I don’t know till this day what that was about. So weird. But anyway, while in LA, someone told me I should try acting. So I did. Got myself an agent, and booked several national commercials and some co-starring roles on TV shows.
It seems you’re a jack of all trades and have been involved in different roles in front of and behind the screen. Yet why are you most passionate about acting?
KK: Filmmaking is hard! Especially when you’re starting on your own, doing indie shorts and stuff, you have to wear so many hats. From being the janitor to being the producer/director. So many responsibilities. As an actor, I only have 1 job; to play someone else.
How does your Indonesian background inform you as an artist?
KK: It’s hard because most Asians are not very supportive of the arts.
Something Good Going On, the short film you starred in, just won Best Drama Award at Yale in Hollywood Fest 2025. Tell us how you got involved with the movie.
KK: I had no idea SGGO was done much less won Best Drama at Yale Hollywood Fest? Wow. What a way to find out. Congrats to writer/director Arnold Setiadi and I thank him for giving me the opportunity. Arnold and I were in this CSUN student film where I had a small role. That’s how I met Arnold and hence SGGO.
As you’re also FYCIng for another short film Daly City that you starred in… tell us about how you got involved with that.
Watch the short film on Shortverse
KK: My friend told me about Daly City. I contacted Christian Bustamante, the Casting director. Did a self tape and that’s it. Not a very interesting story.
What is one upcoming project you’re most excited about and why?
KK: First of all I’m excited and so proud of Daly City and where it is heading but I’m super excited for another short film that I shot about one and a half years ago in Las Vegas, also about an immigrant family struggling to make the American dream.
As Southeast Asian media is booming now, would you consider working back in Indonesia?
KK: I’ve thought about it. If there is an opportunity I’d love to work on a project or two, here and there. It’ll be fun. I’d also love to work with the director of Sore (So-re(y)), another Indonesian submission to Oscar. A very well done film and I’d love to work with the director. Or maybe Singapore as I grew up there as well.
What is one advice you’d give yourself when you first started out to pursue your career now?
KK: None. I did what I needed to do back then. I don’t think I’d do anything different or felt that I missed something or should have done something different.
Watch Daly City on Shortverse!
