Pasensya

Logline

"A Filipino grandson struggles to record a goodbye message for his dying grandma.”

Screenings

Upcoming

TBD

Director’s Bio

Ralph Torrefranca is a Filipino American award-winning writer, director and musician based in Los Angeles.

With roots in the Bay Area, Santa Barbara, The Netherlands and even Germany; Filipino-American filmmaker Ralph Torrefranca has a unique upbringing under his belt when it comes to storytelling.

His short film Champagne Social premiered at The 2019 IFS Film Festival in LA where Ralph was named “Best Director” at the fest. His feature screenplay “RIFF” also made the Top 20% of the Academy Nicholl Fellowship in 2021.

Ralph is also an accomplished musician, most known as the lead singer/guitarist of the national touring post-punk band Cuffed Up (KEXP, KCRW) who were SXSW Official Artists in 2022 and 2024. He has directed numerous music videos for the band including lead singles “Finer Things”, “Bonnie” and “Mock Dance”.

With much of his childhood summers watching films at his local, Ralph was eventually given a Mini DV Sony Handycam and spent much of his early years filming DIY music videos and short films. Over the summer of his Sophomore year of High School, an intro to film class taught by Santa Barbara International Film Festival founder Roger Durling left a long lasting impression on 15 year old Ralph and subsequently his ongoing love for cinema.

With more than 19 years in the entertainment industry, Ralph has worked in Film, TV Production and Music.

Director’s Statement

"Pasensya" is not only an exploration of guilt but a glimpse into the complex dual identity tug of war that Filipino Americans (and any 1st or 2nd generation children) must navigate while experiencing life in the US.

A big reason this story exists is the need to see more genuine Filipino experiences in American Cinema and to spotlight these stories that are as much a Filipino experience as they are inherently American. As more AANHPI stories are being seen in Film, the industry has failed to portray the intimate struggles of Fil-am’s who must face poverty, racism, alcoholism, and violence by sacrificing everything to reach the “American Dream”.

"Pasensya" is a love letter to my family, my identity, and the difficult moments in life that push us to be truly vulnerable with one another.

- Ralph Torrefranca

Full Credits + Tech

Written & Directed by: Ralph Torrefranca

Produced by: Tina Carbone, Ralph Torrefranca

Principal Cast: Ralph Torrefranca, Rosemarie Ruiter

Director of Photography & Editor - Jacob Butler

Set PA - Marivel Magsaysay

Live Sound/Mixer - Max Hirsh

Production Designer & HMU - Diana Torrefranca

Key Gaffer - Deke Shipp

Sound Design/Mixer - Matthew Cerritos

Colorist - Jacob Butler

Original Score - Michelle Birsky & Kevin Henthorn

Production Company: UNDRDG

Genre: Drama, Live action short, narrative short