Lingua Franca

60th TIFF: Greek Premiere

Olivia, an undocumented Filipino transwoman, works as a caregiver to Olga, an elderly Russian woman, in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn. When Olivia runs out of options to attain legal status in the US, she becomes romantically involved with Alex, Olga’s adult grandson, in the pursuit of a marriage-based green card. An unassuming portrait of a lost soul striving to fully embrace her identity, that tackles the tough crackdown on immigrants in the US, as well as the fierce prejudice inflicted upon the transgender community. A tightly woven drama that utters bold and sober statements without being preachy.

Screening Schedule

No physical screenings scheduled.

Direction: Isabel Sandoval

Script: Isabel Sandoval

Cinematography: Isaac Banks

Editing: Isabel Sandoval

Sound: Albert Michael M. Idioma

Music: Teresa Barrozo

Actors: Isabel Sandoval, Eamon Farren, Ivory Aquino, PJ Boudousque, Lev Gorn, Lynn Cohen

Production: 7107 Entertainment

Producers: Jhett Tolentino, Carlo Velayo, Darlene Catly Malimas, Isabel Sandoval

Art Direction: Maxwell Nalevansky

Costumes: Clint Ramos

Executive producer: Jerome Kerkman, Raymond Francisco, Samuel S. Verzosa, Fernando Ortigas, E.A. Rocha, Vincent R. Nebrida, Sarah Brennan Kolb, Nicole Cosgrove, Romulo Aromin Jr., Gigi Demen

Sets: Clint Ramos

Make Up: Lauren Citera

Format: DCP

Color: Color

Production Country: USA, Philippines

Production Year: 2019

Duration: 95´

Contact: Luxbox, info@luxboxfilms.com

Isabel Sandoval

Philippine-born and New York-based Isabel Sandoval became the first transwoman of color to direct a film competing in Venice Film Festival. Her debut feature Señorita premiered in competition at the Locarno Film Festival and went on to be screened at various festivals around the globe, winning several prizes and awards, while her second feature film Apparition, a period drama taking place during the Marcos regime, was widely acclaimed in its Philippine theatrical release.