USA/Philippines, 2019, R: Isabel Sandoval, mit: Isabel Sandoval, Lynn Cohen, Eamon Farren, Megan Channell, 89 min., OmeU

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. Sensual and provocative, “Lingua Franca” is critically acclaimed filmmaker Isabel Sandoval’s third narrative feature after “Señorita” (Locarno ’11) and “Apparition” (Busan ’12). Novelistic yet intimate, “Lingua Franca” is an unflinchingly candid chronicle of a disempowered woman’s political and sexual awakening.

After the screening, writer, director and actress Isabel Sandoval will join us for a Skype-Q&A.

Trailer: