Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation
Saturday, October 17, 2026 Armstrong Theatre
SEASON PARTNER
Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation
SPONSORS
Scott Douglas
OUR MISSION 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.
Jean Adelsman
Jane and Jim Isomoto
Dale Korman
Lori Mizuguchi
(In Memory of Torrance Symphony)
Camilla Seferian Ann and Marty Gallagher
Rod and Crystal Macdonell
Nancy and George Mannon
Cliff Numark
Athena Paquette Cormier
Ted and Carolyn Porter
IN KIND SPONSORS
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 2026–2027 Season Welcome to a brand-new season with the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation. As we look ahead, we do so with deep gratitude for our remarkable 30+ year legacy and for the vibrant future we continue to build together. For more than three decades, TOCA has been a cornerstone of creativity and connection in the South Bay, and that legacy lives on through the artists, audiences, donors, volunteers, and community partners who make this work possible. This season reflects what we believe at our core: that the performing arts have the power to bring people together, spark meaningful conversations, and create lasting memories. Each performance has been thoughtfully selected to inspire, entertain, and connect, offering moments of joy, reflection, and discovery for audiences of all ages and backgrounds. At TOCA, the arts are for everyone. Whether you are joining us for the first time or have been part of our journey for years, we invite you to explore this season and find the experiences that speak to you. From music and theatre to comedy, cultural programming, and family-friendly performances, there is truly something for all. We are continually inspired by the artists we present and the community we serve. Your support, whether through attending performances, donating, volunteering, or simply sharing in these experiences ensures that the arts continue to thrive in Torrance and throughout the South Bay. Thank you for being part of TOCA. We look forward to sharing an unforgettable season with you. 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. See you at the theatre,
Camilla Seferian President, Board of Directors
Christian Wolf Artistic & Executive Director Assisted listening devices available. Ask the House Manager or usher for assistance.
Thank Yous and Welcomes Welcome to the 2026 Riptide Film Festival! If you’re reading this, you have played an invaluable role in elevating your local community through your support of the Riptide Film Festival. While it would be easy to simplify the Riptide Film Festival as just a screening event, we use this event to bring our modern focus back to the family businesses we get to call neighbors, to the average South Bay viewer trying to get a little more out of their community and, of course, the local filmmakers whose art defines our local culture. It is our sincere hope and belief that this delicate ecosystem can deliver locally-sourced film and cinema. With a film industry more decentralized than ever, who’s to say we’re not standing in the midst of the next great source of cinema? From the independent businesses owner partnering with the festival to the local viewer sitting expectantly in their seat, this festival is only possible as a result of several interconnected pillars of reinforcement. Thank you to Chris Wolf and the members of the board at the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation for keeping performing arts alive in Torrance, and for taking a chance on our radical idea. Many thanks to all of the local, often family-owned businesses that sponsored the Riptide Film Festival. Please take a moment to support these incredible establishments, and get an idea of all the best that the South Bay has to offer.
Thank you to our festival judges for embracing the opportunity to recognize and reward the local talent that sets a high bar for art in the South Bay. Thank you to our volunteer team for endearing yourself to the mission of bringing this live event to local audiences. Every mission starts with a simple willingness. Thank you for choosing us. Thank you to all for supporting not just local independent film, but the local community that it represents. Film Festival Social Media: https://riptidefilmfest.com/ https://www.instagram.com/riptidefilmfest/ https://filmfreeway.com/riptidefilmfestival
Schedule 2:00 – 4:00pm
Red Carpet & Theatre Opens (VIPs)
4:15 – 4:45pm
Theatre Opens (GAs) & PreShow
4:45 – 5:00pm
Intro
5:00 – 6:10pm
Ebb & Flow
6:10 – 6:20pm
Intermission 1
6:20 – 7:47pm
Uncharted Waters
7:47 – 8:17pm
Intermission 2
8:20 – 9:23pm
Dark Tides
9:23 – 9:33pm
Intermission 3
9:33 – 10:00pm
Awards, hosted by the Gooslings
EBB & FLOW
Just like the ocean’s tide moves in and out, growing up is a constant fight between pulling away from childhood and rushing toward the future. Films in order to be screened
Sharks Up Close Director: Sam Pfoser School: John Paul The Great Catholic University Genres: Nature, Sealife, Ocean, Conservation, Underwater Sharks Up Close takes viewers beneath the surface and into the world of sharks through a series of close encounters captured from just inches away. As sharks brush past the camera, a diver reflects on how stepping into their world transformed fear into fascination, offering a unique perspective on animals that have long been misunderstood.
Rock Out Director: Jake Bossin* School: Culver City High School Genres: Comedy, Musical, Drama High school punk rocker Kate and her ragtag group of friends, whom she calls a band, are competing in their local talent show. But Lewis, the self-proclaimed “semi-professional concerto opera singer” and Kate’s arch nemesis, will stop at nothing to embarrass her and ruin their performance.
* High School Wave Filmmaker
Be Right Out Director: Colin Miller Genre: Comedy A nervous young man’s first date spirals into chaos, forcing him to confront his insecurities.
Critical Hit Director: Jason Nicholls Genres: Comedy, Animation Struggling from the daily grind of adulthood, a woman awakens her joy and imagination from a familiar friend.
* High School Wave Filmmaker
What Happens in Vegas Director: Jewell Karinen Genres: Comedy, Coming of Age, Quirky A suburban goth goes to great lengths to find out “what happens in Vegas.” In this comedic short film about outsiders, our protagonist Angel hears a radio ad and becomes secretly obsessed with finding out what happens in Sin City. She bashfully tries praying to God for answers, and even attempts a seance, but nothing can answer the question at hand. While Angel wonders if there is life beyond the subdivision, her other half Sisterfriend must grapple with the thought of losing her friend to the outside world. Pulling Teeth Director: Tamar Koren* School: Windward School Genre: Drama After a tense and awkward dentist visit, a guarded young woman becomes trapped in an elevator with her controlling mother, which forces them to uncover years of resentment and decide whether to sever or salvage their relationship.
* High School Wave Filmmaker
NIGHT IN LA Director: Nico Gurewitz* School: Los Angeles County High School for the Arts Genre: Drama Wei is out one night picking up Ubers while his clingy mother pesters him to come home. He ends up picking up two teenage girls from a party, one of whom is having problems in her love life. Wei ends up being able to relate to the girl more than either of them expected and they both leave the car ride with new insight and revelations.
Spotlight Director: Lilly O’Brien* School: Los Angeles County High School for the Arts Genres: Drama, Coming of Age Forced into acting as a child, Ryan grows resentful of her demanding life in the spotlight while her sister suffers silently in her shadow.
* High School Wave Filmmaker
The Boy and the Bear Director: Audrey Wood School: Loyola Marymount University Genre: Coming of Age A young man gives away his childhood teddy bear, only for it to return and haunt him, leading him to embrace his inner child to stop the haunting.
UNCHARTED WATERS
Real human stories don’t come with a map, join as these stories step into unfamiliar territory to explore raw truths and untold perspectives. Films in order to be screened
Odd Job Espionage Director: Marko Almado School: Riverside City College Genres: Action, Espionage Agent codename, “Twenty-Three”, is sent on a critical tactical recon mission to both save and retrieve, Pharmaceutical Biochemist Dr. Henry Ford Zamunda and his experiments.
* High School Wave Filmmaker
Justice Adjusted Director: Kasey Ayres School: California State University Long Beach Genre: Comedy Could you believe being the paperwork it takes to be a Superhero’s insurance provider?
PunchBox Director: Anthony Nathanial Genre: Dark Comedy When an actor in Los Angeles is pressured into a mysterious scheme by his shady cousin, he gambles his fate once again to pay off an old debt.
* High School Wave Filmmaker
Angel Director: Mercedes Garcia School: College of the Desert Genres: Crime Drama, Coming of Age Drama When a naive teenager botches a drug deal for his gang-involved older brother, a desperate lie sets off a chain of violence that forces him to choose between protecting his innocence and protecting himself.
Her War Director: Charles Curtice Genres: Drama, Western An Afrikaans woman converses with a dying British Soldier during the Second Boer War, in 1901 South Africa
* High School Wave Filmmaker
I’m Still Here Director: Bluebelle Saraceno* School: Los Angeles County High School for the Arts Genre: Drama A mother and daughter each lost in their own pain reveal regret and consequences.
Impulse Director: Joshua Baldwin Genre: Drama A young man comes to terms with his habitual self-hatred when it pushes away the last people who care about him.
* High School Wave Filmmaker
Did You Sleep Well? Director: Gabriel Han Genre: Drama Life goes on, even through tremendous loss.
Negative Processing Director: Luna Sophia Kuhn* School: Viewpoint School Genre: Drama Negative Processing is a film that explores the complexity of grief when a young boy, Ollie, is given an old photograph of his deceased grandfather that he feels he must recreate in order to honor him.
* High School Wave Filmmaker
Offerings Director: Rowan Walsh-Lebus* School: Los Angeles County High School for the Arts Genre: Drama A quiet teenager cycles through a sleepy California mountain town stealing small, seemingly random items… But why?
The New Year Director: Jonah Greenebaum School: California State University, Long Beach Genre: Drama Haunted by grief in the form of a sheet ghost, a depressed young man stumbles into a coffee shop and meets the old owner. Together, they reflect on change and find comfort in their new worlds.
* High School Wave Filmmaker
DARK TIDES
Over 80% of the ocean remains completely dark and undiscovered, holding whatever lurks beneath the surface our deepest fears thrive in the unseen. Films in order to be screened
Rift Director: Lucas Acosta Genres: Horror, Drama, Thriller, Suspense When desperation drives a woman to test an unproven drug, she finds herself crossing the boundary between our world and something far stranger. What begins as a risky experiment leaves a door open — and some doors can’t be closed.
In Her Echo Director: Eily Flores-Villalobos School: California State University, Long Beach Genres: Supernatural, Mental Health, Horror A student named Jamie, who is mentally drained, finds himself in an empty school and begins hearing echoes in his own voice that lead him into the presence of a dark entity that he cannot see, feeding off his deepest fears and insecurities.
* High School Wave Filmmaker
Agoraphobia Directors: Sarah Rudman,* Syenna Wallace-Collins* Schools: Woodrow Wilson High School, Sato Academy High School, Renaissance High School Genres: Psychological Drama, Experimental Quinn has been secluded to the walls of her own mind for years. Feelings of fear and paranoia have controlled her for as long as she can remember. Through the necessity of leaning on her mom for being able to stay alive in her own room, Quinn’s mom has given up hope for the only child she has left. Moreover, giving up her life in general, just a room away from Quinn’s. As Quinn struggles to escape her own mind and hallucinations to leave her room, now her only goal is to fulfill her mom’s wish; to finally feel the sun. Something in my House Director: Abraham Kasem Abotel Genre: Horror There’s something in my house and I don’t know what it is.
* High School Wave Filmmaker
Huy Tran’s The Vessel Director: Huy Tran School: Venice Arts Center for Creative Workforce Equity Genres: Science-Fiction, Existential Horror As punishment, a human is being converted into a demon; chaos ensues.
Jorge Director: Gisselle Chipana School: California State University Los Angeles Genres: Horror, Drama, Thriller, Suspense After dying while crossing the border in search of a better life for his family, Jorge awakens in a morgue with no pulse and no explanation, beginning a haunting journey as he fights to find his way home.
* High School Wave Filmmaker
Follow Me Home Director: Stanislav Puzdriak Genre: Psychological Horror After an argument, Carter follows his girlfriend to her hometown to make things right, only to find himself caught in a nightmare he cannot explain.
Are You Real? Director: Aaron Alexander Bergen Genres: Horror, Psychological Thriller After a late-night FaceTime, a young man begins to suspect his girlfriend may have been dead for a week.
* High School Wave Filmmaker
AWARDS High School Filmmaker Awards Best Short Wave (Best Overall Film) Awarded to the most outstanding high school short film, recognizing excellence in storytelling, creativity, and technical execution. Breakout Filmmaker (Best Young Director) Celebrating a high school director who demonstrates exceptional filmmaking vision, leadership, and innovation. A Cut Above (Best Storytelling) Honoring a high school film with the most compelling narrative, character development, and emotional impact. True Horizon (Best Cinematography) Recognizing excellence in visual storytelling, composition, and cinematography.
Indie Filmmaker Awards Golden Crest Award (Best Overall Film) Recognizing outstanding achievement in all aspects of filmmaking. Rising Tide Filmmaker (Best Director) Celebrating an independent filmmaker whose direction brings a unique and compelling vision to life. Heart of the Tide (Best Screenplay) Awarded to the most well-crafted screenplay, showcasing originality, structure, and powerful storytelling. Shoreline Spectacle (Best Cinematography) Recognizing excellence in visual storytelling, composition, and cinematography. Rip Current (Best Editing) Recognizing outstanding achievement in pacing, post-production craftsmanship, and seamless visual effects integration that elevate the film’s narrative power and spectacle.
Sponsors Our 2026 Venue Sponsor & Festival Location Host
Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation
Our 2026 Festival Award Sponsor A&E Trophies and Engraving
Festival Credits Niccolo Esquivelzeta Sohn — Festival Director, Co-founder Niccolo Esquivelzeta Sohn is a writer-director and videographer, originally from Mexico City. After graduating from California State University Long Beach with a Bachelor’s Degree in Film and Electronic Arts, Niccolo has split 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. Niccolo Sohn is Festival Director and Primary Project Director of the Riptide Film Festival. He is responsible for the overall vision, leadership, and final decision-making of the organization. His role includes defining the artistic direction of the festival, shaping its public identity, overseeing programming cohesion, and guiding the team through key creative and operational decisions. Niccolo’s leadership is rooted in a strong commitment to creating opportunities for emerging filmmakers and building a festival that feels both accessible and aspirational. He has been central to the Festival’s development from its earliest communitybased screening efforts and has helped shape the festival’s identity as a bold filmmaker-centered cultural event. https://www.instagram.com/knick.knack.37/ www.linkedin.com/in/niccolosohne Dahlia Mae Pacheco — Film Programmer, Event Organizer, Co Founder, and Graphic Designer Dahlia Pacheco is a first-generation college graduate and emerging producer building a career at the intersection of development, physical production, and community-focused storytelling. After earning her B.A. in Entertainment Media Management from CSUN, Dahlia is now pursuing an M.S. in Entertainment Leadership and Management at Loyola Marymount University, building on a foundation of 8+ years of production experience in student theatre and independent film. Her professional trajectory includes serving as a Television Academy Foundation Fellow and Production Management Intern for The
Bachelor Franchise, and she currently serves as a Physical Production Intern at Blumhouse. As a co-founder of Evol Dog Productions, Dahlia has produced and first-assistant directed a diverse range of short films and commercial content, specializing in script breakdowns and on-set management. At the Riptide Film Festival, Dahlia serves as Film Programmer and plays a leading role in building the core value and substance of the festival through curation, programming development, and partnership support. Her responsibilities include reviewing submissions, identifying strong and emerging voices, helping construct cohesive screening blocks, coordinating with judges and screeners, and ensuring that the programming aligns with the mission and values of the festival. She also supports community-facing communication, including festival updates and audience engagement around programming. Her work helps ensure that the festival remains intentional, meaningful, and representative of the creative community it serves. https://dahliamae.carrd.co/ https://www.instagram.com/dahl_mae/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/dahlia-mae-pacheco/ Isaak K. Nsuangani — Event Producer, Co Founder, Social Media Manager Isaak K. Nsuangani is a filmmaker, producer, and founder of Aureate Productions, a creative production company focused on visual storytelling and digital media. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Film and Electronic Arts with an emphasis in Screenwriting and a minor in Creative Writing from California State University, Long Beach. At Riptide Film Festival, Isaak serves as Event Producer, supporting the festival’s strategic planning, audience engagement, and operational execution. His responsibilities include shaping festival messaging and content strategy, coordinating volunteers, maintaining professional standards across marketing and event presentation, and assisting with day-of logistics to ensure a smooth and engaging experience for filmmakers and audiences. His background in creative production and storytelling helps strengthen the festival’s ability to present emerging filmmakers in a professional and community-centered environment. https://www.instagram.com/isaaknsuangani https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaaknsuangani Festival and Award Hosts The Gooslings: Jon Zaragoza, Jesus Cervantes, Eddie Estrella Founded by four CSULB students that wanted to have an improv club at the campus, but continued doing improv after graduation. Since then, they have performed at Long Beach, Bellflower, Cerritos, Santa Monica, and North Hollywood.
https://www.instagram.com/gooslings_improv
Screeners Brandon Rutherford, Ellie Creighton, Julia Kirton
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. https://www.instagram.com/riptide.films/ https://www.youtube.com/@riptidefilmstv https://www.tiktok.com/@riptide.films Evol Dog Productions 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. https://evoldogproductions.carrd.co/ https://www.tiktok.com/@evoldogproductions https://www.instagram.com/evoldogproductions/ https://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. https://www.instagram.com/ap.wrldx/
I am honored to support TOCA’s efforts to bring high-quality live entertainment and theatrical performances to the South Bay.
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Space for Lease — Largest Selection in Torrance INDUSTRIAL
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Quality commercial space to lease throughout the South Bay. Wishing the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation another successful season.
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Supporting the arts in your community has never been easier. Text “TOCA30” to 44-321 to donate.
Thank You SEASON PARTNER City of Torrance $10,000 – $49,999 — STARS Scott Douglas Torrance Refining Company $5,000 – $9,999 — CO-STARS Sares-Regis Group Surf Management, Inc. Supervisor Janice Hahn Torrance Community Credit Union $2,500 – $4,999 — PRODUCERS Jean Adelsman Jane and Jim Isomoto Dale Korman (In Memory of Torrance Symphony) Lori Mizuguchi Camilla Seferian $1,000 – $2,499 — DIRECTORS Chevron Farmers & Merchants Bank Ann and Marty Gallagher Rod and Crystal Macdonell Nancy and George Mannon Cliff Numark Athena Paquette Cormier Ted and Carolyn Porter Smart & Final Charitable Foundation IN-KIND SPONSORS Bakers Man Productions Stuart Levy, CPA, APC Torrance Bakery Torrance Refining Company Tito’s Handmade Vodka $500 — ANGELS Sara Baillie Tammy Khan Ellenmary Michel William Oberholzer Peter Pettler Pamela Popovich Winnie and Jason Seieroe
$250 — FRIENDS Jean Adelsman John and Louise Bye Lynn Fernandez Judith Fisher Gary and Diane Hastings Russell and Carole Lefevre Frank and Marilyn Miles Kenneth and Doris Nakakura Jim Olds Fred and Ann Peitzman Andrea Perez Gail Roulette Sylvia Stadlman Paula and John Verbeck Christian and Robin Wolf Ray Zepeda
TORRANCE CULTURAL ARTS FOUNDATION BOARD Katy Geissert, Founding President
$100 — FANS Dan and Heidi Ashcraft Amy Blomgren Janice Burrin John and Sandy Conway Ann Cooper Helen Dennis Patrick and Terry Furey Chuck & Monica Gustafson Eleanor Jones Pentti and Ginger Jussila Bernadette Kociemba Lynda Kraemer Hugh McIntyre George and Helen Nakano Diana Nakashima Peter and Vicki Pellerito Laura Savitz Hazel Taniguchi Ray Uchima Paula Verbeck Kurt Weideman and Sue Golden
ADVISORY BOARD David Benoit Shannon Dean Scott Douglas Donna Duperron Steve Fechner Patrick Furey Ann Gallagher Jonah Hirata Gesuina Lafayette George Nakano Steve Napolitano Bill Oberholzer Ted Porter Ritas Smith Kurt Weideman
Go backstage with our podcast!
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Camilla Seferian, President Heidi Cunningham, Vice President Sara Baillie, Secretary Winnie Seieroe, Treasurer BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jean Adelsman Liliana Dongo Jim Olds Laura Savitz Ray Zepeda
STAFF Christian Wolf, Executive Director Sharon Sapigao, Administration Susan Lyon, Artist Hospitality Angie O’Campo, Social Media Coordinator Tes Schaff, Graphic Design
Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation
November
January
7
8–10
South Bay’s Got Talent
13&14 21
Telephone Tag Magic Bingo
December 11
Irish Christmas in America
12
Art & Study of Taiko – Recital
13
Art & Study of Taiko – Concert
What the Constitution Means to Me
22&23 29
Joel Gaines Kontrapunktus
February 5&6 20
Herself
Meself, Himself, &
Dancing with the South Bay Stars
March 5&6
Tabitha Meeks
For more information or to purchase tickets, please call (310) 781-7171 or visit TorranceArts.org