LINGUA FRANCA

When I watched LINGUA FRANCA (trailer here), I was instantly mesmerized by Isabel Sandoval’s powerful storytelling. The film was released at Venice Days last year and thrust Isabel into the international spotlight. The film, acquired by Ava DuVernay’s Array, can be found on Netflix. It’s a delicate portrayal of Olivia, an undocumented Filipino trans woman who works as a live-in caregiver to the elderly Olga in Brooklyn. When Olivia falls for Olga’s hotheaded grandson Alex, she teeters between pursuing her heart and using him as a pathway to documented immigration status.

Off the recognition from LINGUA FRANCA, Isabel is developing her fourth feature, a 16th century drama with surreal elements, as well as developing an original pilot at FX. You can also watch her breathtaking poetic short film, “SHANGRI-LA” which was commissioned by Miu Miu Women’s Tales as part of their series exploring femininity in the 21st century. 

—Shuyu Cao, Executive Assistant