In Conversation with Claudio Filippo
Rome-born actor, contributor, and very dear friend.
Depth or nothing. Solid friendship or none at all.
This is not a Ninu Nina article. This is Leila Antakly.
No time for fake shit — this guy is the real deal. Since this interview he's moved back to Rome, focused entirely on acting and theatre, and proudly tied to Venezuela. It's depth or nothing with Claudio. It's solid friendship or none at all.
Claudio Filippo began acting in theatre as a child, and from an early age, he knew it was the only thing he wanted to do. He took drama classes, kept pushing, and in 2012 was cast in a short film called Fratelli by Portuguese director Gabriel Abrantes — a turning point. He moved to New York to attend the School of Creative and Performing Arts, returned to Rome to finish high school, and continued working through workshops at the School of Prete until meeting Michael Margotta.
He studied with Margotta for years, then went back to New York to attend the Susan Batson Studio — whose alumni include some of today's most significant actors. It was there he met his current coach, Cloe Xhauflaire, an experience he describes as extraordinary on every level. Now back in Rome and fully committed to the stage and screen, Claudio continues to work on theatre projects, short films, and features, alongside special projects in Art Advisory worldwide.
Your greatest inspirations or influences?
James Dean is my greatest inspiration in film. His way of acting didn't just change the method — it made me understand what it means to be sincere, relaxed, and serene while performing. He always seemed to have the courage to discover the unknown and let himself be surprised by creativity.
Was there a film or role that made you want to study acting?
My brother, Vincenzo Filippo, who works in the film industry, introduced me to films like Indiana Jones. Through him I learned a great deal about production. He's a real example — fully dedicated, professional, responsible, and hard-working. I owe him a lot.
Tell us about your experience with modelling.
It was never my passion, but I always felt comfortable in front of a lens — probably because my father, Mario Filippo, is a photographer. I worked on campaigns and shows with agencies in Milan and London. I saw the ugly side of that industry, but I was lucky enough to stay away from it. These days I shoot advertising campaigns and do some commercial work in Madrid, but it's always secondary to the work that matters.
As friends, we talk a lot about living a more holistic, healthy life. What does that mean to you personally?
I've been a vegetarian for four years. It wasn't an easy decision, but it changed my awareness — of nutrition, of what we put into our bodies, of how the meat industry affects the planet. I'm not imposing this on anyone. But since I made that choice, I've never felt better.
Beyond that, I believe we have to become more sensitive to our surroundings. Small gestures matter. The little things each of us does will, collectively, become something significant.
"The decisive element to bring peace in the world are our everyday behaviors."— Jiddu Krishnamurti
I realize that this kind of awareness requires a real inner silence. So I recommend meditation — and listening. When you pay attention to everything, you become sensitive. And being sensitive means having an inner perception of beauty. I believe I owe this sensitivity to my mother, Liliana Dioguardi — civil engineer, extraordinary mother, someone who has always pursued introspective research, and a life coach. The best.
At any time of external pause, one can seek an internal one. Be creative. Look for your answers. Tell yourself the truth and love as much as you can. Be thankful for what you have and try to live with abundance, not lack — because as long as you have a bed to sleep on, a roof over your head, and food to eat, you are rich. Don't waste time in useless frustrations. Use this moment to find peace. It's not outside. It's inside each one of us.