In partnership with the City of Torrance, The Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation’s mission is to enrich the community through the performing arts by providing diverse cultural, educational and entertainment experiences of the highest quality.
OUR VISION
The vision of the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation is to connect our community through culturally enriching experiences.
THANK YOU TO THE CITY COUNCIL AND CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION FOR THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF TOCA AND THE ARTS IN THE SOUTH BAY
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation would like to acknowledge that the Armstrong Theatre is located on the traditional and ancestral territory of the Tongva people in the Swaanga Village. We ask you to join us in acknowledging the Tongva community, their elders both past and present, as well those of future generations. www.tongvapeople.com
Welcome to Our 2025–2026 Season
Welcome to a brand-new season with the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation! I’m honored to step into the role of Board President as we continue TOCA’s proud tradition of celebrating the arts in all their beautiful diversity.
For over three decades, TOCA has been a cornerstone of creativity and connection in the South Bay. That legacy continues today because of the passion and dedication of our community—our artists, audiences, partners, donors, and volunteers. Together, we make it possible to bring inspiring, thought-provoking, and joy-filled performances to our stages.
At TOCA, we believe the arts are for everyone. Whether it’s your first time in the theater or you’ve been with us since the beginning, we invite you to explore this season’s lineup and find something that speaks to you. From laugh-out-loud comedy to moving musical performances and cultural celebrations, there’s truly something for every taste.
On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, thank you for your continued support. I hope you’ll consider deepening your connection with TOCA—subscribe to our season, become a donor, or lend your time as a volunteer. However you choose to engage, know that you are a vital part of our mission.
I look forward to seeing you at the theater—and to all the unforgettable moments we’ll share this season. Warmly,
Camilla Seferian President, Board of Directors Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation
Welcome to the 2025/2026 season at the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation!
As we turn the page from our milestone 30th year and look ahead, I’m filled with gratitude—not only for where we’ve been, but for where we’re going. Each season is a new opportunity to bring people together, spark meaningful conversations, and celebrate the incredible power of live performance.
At TOCA, we’re not just curating a season—we’re creating space for discovery, connection, and joy. Whether it’s world-class music, laughout-loud comedy, soul-stirring theater, or family programming that ignites young imaginations, our goal remains the same: to offer something memorable for everyone who walks through our doors.
I continue to be inspired by the artists we work with, the team behind the scenes, and especially you— our audience, donors, and community partners—who make it all possible. Your enthusiasm and support are what keeps TOCA vibrant and thriving.
Please explore this brochure and find the shows that speak to you. And as always, if there’s anything we can do to make your experience better, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@TorranceArts.org.
Let’s make this season one to remember. See you at the theatre!
Chris Wolf Executive Director
Assisted listening devices available. Ask the House Manager or usher for assistance.
Welcome to the Riptide Film Festival!
We are so thrilled to share this celebration of film, creativity, and community with you. What began as a grassroots gathering has grown into a space where stories ripple outward, bringing together students, independent filmmakers, industry professionals, and our local community. We’re honored to have you here with us, celebrating young filmmakers and the next generation of independent cinema.
On behalf of the entire Riptide Film Festival team, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who made this event possible.
To our attendees, thank you for showing up with open hearts and a passion for film. Your presence brings life to the stories on screen and fuels the creative spirit of this festival and breathes confidence into our filmmakers.
To our sponsors and partners, we are profoundly grateful for your generosity and belief in our mission. Your support allows us to provide a platform for diverse voices and emerging filmmakers.
To our judges, thank you for dedicating your time, expertise, and thoughtful consideration to celebrating and uplifting the work of our filmmakers.
To our screeners, your tireless efforts in curating the lineup made this year’s festival possible and have helped shed light on hidden gems, ready to emerge.
To the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation team, we thank you for welcoming us into your space and helping us share these stories with the community. You helped make our dream come true and helped bring independent film back to Torrance.
To our community, near and far, thank you for embracing the Riptide Film Festival from its grassroots beginnings to today. Your encouragement and enthusiasm remind us why we do this work.
And finally, to our filmmakers—the heart of the festival—thank you for trusting us with your art. Your creativity, courage, and storytelling inspire us all.
Together, we’ve built something special. May this festival continue to be a place where voices are heard, connections are made, and stories ripple outward into the world and into the sea of community.
Until the Credits Roll,
The Riptide Film Festival Team
Experience a Night at the Movies Like Never Before!
Join award-winning producers from Riptide Films and Evol Dog Productions as they present a bold vision of the new Hollywood. This exciting festival showcases the most innovative and boundary-pushing independent filmmakers from Southern California, all competing for top honors. Be among the first to witness these groundbreaking stories unfold on the big screen and see who takes home the festival’s prestigious awards!
Celebrate Local Talent & Independent Cinema!
Support Torrance’s emerging talent in the High School Screening Block, featuring films from local student programs. Then, immerse yourself in a diverse selection of visionary short films in the Indie Screening Block, spanning an array of genres and styles.
Festival Social media: riptidefilmfest.com filmfreeway.com/riptidefilmfestival facebook.com/p/Riptide-Film-Festival-61576636163901 instagram.com/riptidefilmfest
High School Block
Films in order to be screened
Passenger Prince
Comedy
Directed by: Lucia Berkovic School: Anderson W. Clark Magnet High School
After making their getaway from a crime scene, two experienced thieves, Jamie and Freddy, inexplicably find a sleeping party guest in their car. They face a moral dilemma as they decide what to do with him, all while being trailed by his panicked friends who accidentally caused the situation in the first place.
A+ Idiot
Comedy, Drama
Directed by: Jake Soren Bossin School: Culver City High School
When Andy hacks into his school’s grading system to save his friend Jonah from summer school, he unknowingly opens up a Pandora’s box of cash and lies as Jonah begins using Andy’s techniques to sell better grades to other students. Will their friendship be able to handle the strain between Andy’s scholarly ambitions and Jonah’s greed?
Between Two Gardens
Documentary, Experimental, Cultural
Directed by: Tasneen Amin, Sam Rizzo, Isabella Sade Mancinas School: 32nd Street / USC Performing Arts Magnet
After Nazneen is chosen in the diversity visa lottery, she starts anew in the U.S. and raises her children to preserve their Bangladeshi heritage. Through her own testimony, intercut with 16mm footage, home movies, cultural artifacts, and shots from her own garden, this intimate documentary short examines the subtle determination it takes to preserve identity in the face of assimilation, racism, and generational shifts.
Happy Fish
Animation, Informational
Directed by: Madeline Yutong Wong School: Arcadia High School
A happy fish family is broken apart by pollution.
Light Work
Experimental, Introspective
Directed by: Zahra Eneyiye Bello School: Sierra Canyon School
Ava faces her therapist, grappling with the haunting ambiguity of her identity. Torn between societal norms and her deepest yearnings, she embarks on a journey to uncover her authentic self before it slips away forever.
Flashback
Drama, Comedy
Directed by: Charlotte Sasson School: Culver City High School
Despite being surrounded by her closest friends, Sabrina can’t escape the feeling of dread as she celebrates her 18th birthday. The last thing she wants to do is grow upand she wishes more than anything to just be a kid again. But when she wakes up as her 13-year-old self and relives her middle school days, she must decide whether to stay stuck in the past or finally choose to grow up.
Retribution
Drama, Silent, Thriller
Directed by: Zayn Saade School: Huntington Beach High School
When a haunted man confronts the friend who betrayed him, a quiet alley becomes the stage for reckoning. What unfolds is a deadly encounter that explores the true cost of vengeance on the human soul, leaving behind only silence, shadows, and unbearable regret.
SIDE-TRACK’D
Drama
Directed by: Bardia Seiri School: Saugus High School
“SIDE-TRACK’D” is a short film that follows the story of Daniel, a talented high school track athlete who receives a scholarship opportunity. However, his friendship with Tom leads him down a destructive path of addiction and violence, jeopardizing his future.
Before It’s Too Late
Drama, Public Service Announcement
Directed by: Jasmine Isabella Linares School: Brentwood School
A PSA about why wearing headphones loudly in public can be a dangerous risk.
Life
After the Storm
Drama
Directed by: Hailey Johnston School: Redondo Union High School
Alice Heart always tries to leave her hometown before Christmas; unfortunately, a thunderstorm blocks her from leaving. She is forced to face the grief she has been harboring for years, with the help of her Cousin Mary.
Intertwined
Drama, Thriller
Directed by: Lilly O’Brien School: LACHSA
A person with dissociative identity disorder must face their past to integrate their three identities.
Stage Fright
Horror, Experimental
Directed by: Dean Gofnung School: Sierra Canyon School
Things turn for the worse as a student’s fears of public speaking overpower him during a speech.
Sunrise Falling
Animation, Sci-Fi, Comedy
Directed by: Alexander M. Salomon School: The Buckley School
Two robots contemplate why they should keep their cogs turning on the edge of turning into scrap metal.
Indie Block
BLOCK A
Mannequin’s Waltz
Experimental, Magical Realism, Dance
Directed by: Mercedes Garcia School: Stephens College
A shopping mall mannequin comes to life as a curious ballerina.
Between Us
Drama, Romance, Coming of Age
Directed by: Colin Miller School: CSU Long Beach
An anxious high schooler is caught between his toxic best friend and the girl of his dreams, changing their friendship forever.
Isaac
Animation, Fantasy, Romance
Directed by: Gianna Lucia Morreale School: CSU Long Beach
A teen boy takes a walk along the beach while on a date with his best friend, but he starts to get increasingly nervous as they traverse closer and closer to the water.
Dad’s Car Keys
Drama, Coming of Age, Queer, Comedy
Directed by: Esme Farro School: CSU Long Beach
When a persistent 18-year-old girl isn’t allowed to take the family car out after months of grieving at home, she tries to convince her overprotective father to move on and let her go.
Helium
Comedy
Directed by: Zack Abdulbaki School: Chapman University
After accidentally inhaling helium that leaves him with a squeaky high-pitched voice, a young man must navigate a high-stakes dinner date without speaking, leading to a series of misunderstandings and chaos that threatens his relationship.
BLOCK B:
Stabby Stabby
Action, Comedy
Directed by: Kenji McGuire
A group of mobsters finds out one of them is a spy. Can they figure out who it is before they’re all eliminated?
El Yapper
Drama, dark comedy
Directed by: Adam Perez Schools: CSU Long Beach, CSU Northridge, El Camino College
When a mysterious accident renders him mute, Diego must navigate a world that no longer seems to understand him, confronting isolation and the fear of being a burden.
Good Boy
Suspense, Thriller, Drama
Directed by: Abraham Abotel School: CSU Long Beach
Andrew must leave home to escape the shackles of his horrifying mother, but the only way to make that possible is to take on his biggest fear and defy her authority.
Sock Snatcher
Comedy, Fantasy
Directed by: Ellie Creighton
After Steven discovers his lucky sock is missing, he embarks on a fantastical quest to retrieve it from the Sock Snatcher before his job interview begins.
Déjà Divinorum
Experimental, Dark Fantasy, Comedy
Directed by: Anthony Nathanial
Without food or water, two unlikely strangers are stranded in an unfamiliar place and must find a way home.
Where All Inhalers Go
Thriller, Drama
Directed by: Joshua Baldwin School: CSU Long Beach
In order to join a mysterious cult, a lonely man is hazed into killing his roommate, who suffers from severe asthma.
The Hunger
Horror, Drama
Directed by: Alexander Peet School: CSU Northridge
A man isolates himself at home, slowly eating his health away while his girlfriend tries desperately to save him.
Almost Date Night
Romance, Slice of life, Indie, Queer, melodrama
Directed by: Skyler Nicole Bimat Schools: CSU Fullerton, CSU Long Beach, CSU Northridge, El Camino College
A slice of life glance into a modern Queer romance that follows Tommy and Jordan on a date night under their special circumstances.
Words
to Live By
Documentary, Short, Student
Directed by: Richard E. Haywood
School: CSU Long Beach
A sign language interpreter tries to heal from childhood trauma through expanding idiomatic expression and minority representation in the deaf community.
What Are We?
Comedy, Romance
Directed by: William Burney
Things get awkward after a couple is forced to explain their complicated relationship after being pulled over by a cop.
High School Filmmaker Awards
Best Short Wave (Best Overall Film)
Sponsored by
Awarded to the most outstanding high school short film, recognizing excellence in storytelling, creativity, and technical execution.
Winner will receive will receive an exclusive WatchPlus Award Package, with a choice of either on-set access to shadow industry professionals, the chance to be considered for a creative role on an upcoming production, or distribution of their short film on the Watch+ app.
Breakout Filmmaker (Best Young Director)
Sponsored by IndieHubPro
Celebrating a high school director who demonstrates exceptional filmmaking vision, leadership, and innovation.
Winner will receive an awarded account, which will grant the filmmaker instant access to VIP investors, increased upload limits, and a connection to influencers and musicians for licensing opportunities.
A Cut Above (Best Storytelling)
Sponsored by
Honoring a high school film with the most compelling narrative, character development, and emotional impact.
Winner will receive an exclusive WatchPlus Award Package, with a choice of either on-set access to shadow industry professionals, the chance to be considered for a creative role on an upcoming production, or distribution of their short film on the Watch+ app.
Indie Filmmaker Awards
Golden Crest Award (Best Overall Film)
Sponsored by Mometu
Recognizing outstanding achievement in all aspects of filmmaking.
Winner will receive a distribution offer for their film to be available for streaming on the Mometu platform.
Rising Tide Filmmaker (Best Director)
Sponsored by IndieHubPro
Celebrating an independent filmmaker whose direction brings a unique and compelling vision to life.
Winner will receive an awarded account, which will grant the filmmaker instant access to VIP investors, increased upload limits, and a connection to influencers and musicians for licensing opportunities.
Heart of the Tide (Best Screenplay)
Sponsored by
Awarded to the most well-crafted screenplay, showcasing originality, structure, and powerful storytelling.
Winner will receive an exclusive WatchPlus Award Package, with a choice of either on-set access to shadow industry professionals, the chance to be considered for a creative role on an upcoming production, or distribution of their short film on the Watch+ app.
Shoreline Spectacle (Best Cinematography)
Sponsored by
Recognizing excellence in visual storytelling, composition, and cinematography.
Winner will receive an exclusive WatchPlus Award Package, with a choice of either on-set access to shadow industry professionals, the chance to be considered for a creative role on an upcoming production, or distribution of their short film on the Watch+ app.
Sponsors
Our 2025 Venue Sponsor & Festival Location Host
Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation
Festival Credits
Niccolo Esquivelzeta Sohn — Festival Director, Co-founder
Niccolo Esquivelzeta Sohn is a writer-director and videographer based in Torrance, CA, and originally from Mexico City. A graduate from California State University Long Beach’s Film and Electronic Arts Program, Niccolo splits his time between diverse set work and independent film production as well as commercial video production through his position as a co-founder of Riptide Films. Over countless short films and series, Niccolo’s filmmaking expertise ranges from acting, through fight choreography to first assistant directing culminating in his screenwriting and directorial work on the award-winning short The Lie Count (2023), part of Riptide’s Swipe Right anthology series currently in production.
Dahlia Mae Pacheco — Film Programmer, Event Organizer, Co Founder, and Graphic Designer
Dahlia Mae Pacheco is a First Assistant Director-Producer from Torrance, California, a graduate of California State University Northridge’s CTVA Entertainment Media Management and will be attending Loyola Marymount University in August, enrolling in their Master’s in Entertainment Leadership and Management program. She brings a diverse range of experience, including theatrical stage management, previous short films, student film clubs, co-founding Evol Dog Productions, short film, and an internship at NZK Productions through the Television Academy Foundation.
Isaak K. Nsuangani — Event Producer, Co Founder, Social Media Manager
Isaak K. Nsuangani is a filmmaker and creative producer, and founder of Aureate Productions. He crafts immersive, emotionally resonant stories and blends culture-driven strategy with bold visual storytelling. A CSULB Film Screenwriting graduate, Isaak’s award-winning work has been recognized by Mometu’s 2023 Best Comedy, the CSU Media Arts Festival, and others. He specializes in campaigns across film, television, and digital media, including bars, restaurants, and fashion brands. instagram.com/isaaknsuangani linkedin.com/in/isaaknsuangani
Judges
Michelle Fenn — Director, Producer, & Editor
Michelle Fenn is a Los Angeles–based Producer, Director, and Editor originally from a small New England town. With a background in both scripted and nonfiction storytelling, she has built a career championing character-driven work across genres and platforms. She has worked on series, documentaries, branded and marketing content for clients including Netflix, Fox, Sony Pictures Animation, FX, Magnolia Network, and Live Nation. Her work with the BBC earned multiple Telly Awards for excellence in digital documentary series, while her direction of promotional campaigns for the television series Billions received both a Bronze Clio and a GEMA Award.
Her scripted projects include the independently produced TV pilot Psychic School, which earned “Best Pilot” at the 2023 LA Independent Women’s Film Awards and the Omni Cultural TV Festival, as well as “Best Producer” honors from the Toronto International Women’s Film Festival and LAIFF Awards. She has also edited several series and shorts across genres for both independent productions and major platforms.
In the documentary space, she co-produced the feature films 21 Miles in Malibu and Black Outside. Her directorial debut, Beyond the Herd, the flagship project of her production company Outrider Films, screened at more than 20 festivals in 2024 and 2025, earning “Best Short Documentary” at EQUUS Film and Arts, Borrego Springs, Sunscreen North, Animalis Fabula, Tonkawa, and Equinale Film Festivals.
Through Outrider Films, Michelle continues to develop bold, female-led stories rooted in grit, independence, and the untamed spirit of Americana.
Psychic School (2025), Beyond the Herd (2024) instagram.com/michelle_fenn michellefenn.com/
Sophie Power — Director & Producer
Sophie Power is an award-winning NYC based documentary Director and experienced Producer working with such international clients as Nike, Converse and Carhartt. In the past, she collaborated on feature documentaries which broadcast on National Geographic and Sky Documentaries. Her personal work strives to give a lens to underrepresented voices and is marked by a distinctive use of immersive soundscapes. Sophie’s style taps into the emotional world of its subjects by blending the real with the surreal. All the while using the cinematic language of fiction.
Sophie recently worked on Sundance & SXSW winning documentary Selena y Los Dinos (2025), was nominated for a BAFTA scholarship in 2024 and qualified as a Netflix Documentary Talent Fund finalist in 2023. She holds an MFA in Directing and was shortlisted by the Academy Awards for the Student Oscars in 2025 for her hybrid documentary film Whatever A Sun Will Always Sing.
Whatever A Sun Will Always Sing (2025) — hybrid documentary Selena Y Los Dinos (2025), Mr. Polaroid (2025), Life’s A Mother (2025), Babygirl (short 2025), Por Fabiana (2025), Tendu (2024), Hawking, Can You Hear Me? (2021), Back to the Titanic (2020)
instagram.com/sophiefrpower sophiepower.info/
Molly Kossoff
Organizer Bios
Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation
The shared vision of the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation is to enrich the lives of all those within the City of Torrance and surrounding communities through the performing arts. By presenting relevant, accessible and quality performances of all genres, we bridge cultural divides, inspire the young, support economic development and begin conversations relevant to the human condition. To connect our community through culturally enriching experiences. torrancearts.org instagram.com/torrancearts facebook.com/TorranceCulturalArtsFoundation
Riptide Films
Riptide Films explores the emotional and moral complexities of human nature through compelling storytelling. From action to rom-coms, we showcase the vulnerabilities and strengths of everyday people, inspired by modern cultural conversations and timeless themes.
Evol Dog Productions was founded in March 2021 by friends from the Torrance/South Bay, California area, forging a unique path in the industry by embracing the indie and film festival route.
As a bold alternative to traditional film and television, we champion authenticity, collaboration, and resourceful filmmaking, telling human stories across diverse genres and capturing life’s complexities with creativity and innovation. evoldogproductions.carrd.co tiktok.com/@evoldogproductions youtube.com/@evoldogproductions instagram.com/evoldogproductions beacons.ai/evoldogproductions
Aureate Productions
We craft immersive, community-driven experiences that inspire and engage. With a passion for innovative storytelling, we create high-quality content that fosters meaningful connections, blending narratives with social causes to leave a lasting impact on both entertainment and the communities we serve. instagram.com/ap.wrldx aureateproductions.com youtube.com/channel/UCnxDeQ6Us92OBspbdgphD2w
