Lingua Franca

Lingua Franca is a poignant drama centered on Olivia, an undocumented Filipina immigrant in New York who is deeply fearful of deportation. She works as a caregiver for a Russian-Jewish grandmother, striving to maintain stability in her precarious life. Olivia's plans to secure legal residency through a green card marriage are upended when her fiancé backs out, leading her to form a complex relationship with a slaughterhouse worker unaware that Olivia is a trans woman. The film, featuring Eamon Farren as Alex and Shiloh Verrico as Maggie, delicately explores themes of identity, survival, and human connection.

Trivia and behind-the-scenes facts:
1. The film's director, Isabel Sandoval, who also stars as Olivia, drew from her own experiences as a trans Filipina immigrant, bringing a deeply personal and authentic perspective to the story.
2. Lingua Franca is notable for being one of the first English-language films directed by a trans woman of color to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, marking an important milestone for representation in cinema.
3. The production employed a largely Filipino-American cast and crew, emphasizing a commitment to authentic storytelling and providing opportunities for underrepresented artists.

Full Cast of Lingua Franca