Lingua Franca

The story follows Olivia, an undocumented Filipina immigrant navigating the complexities of her life as a caregiver to a Russian-Jewish grandmother in Brooklyn. Faced with the constant threat of deportation, Olivia's situation becomes even more precarious when the man she has been paying for a green card marriage withdraws from their arrangement. This leads her to form a relationship with a slaughterhouse worker who is unaware of her identity as a trans woman.

Lingua Franca delves into the intersection of immigrant struggles and LGBTQ+ experiences, highlighting the challenges faced by those living in the shadows. With a strong performance from Isabel Sandoval and a diverse supporting cast, this film presents a poignant narrative that resonates with contemporary societal issues. The film is notable for being directed by a trans woman, adding a unique perspective to its storytelling.