Pancit
New York City, New York | Film Short
Drama, Family
PANCIT is a poignant tale of love, memory, and music. When 89-year-old Alex, who has dementia, connects with his granddaughter’s jazz-loving boyfriend, the music rekindles his bond with wife Lydia. The film reveals how love endures across generations—even as memories fade.
Pancit
New York City, New York | Film Short
Drama, Family
2 Campaigns | New York, United States
24 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
$2,295
Goal: $7,000 for production
PANCIT is a poignant tale of love, memory, and music. When 89-year-old Alex, who has dementia, connects with his granddaughter’s jazz-loving boyfriend, the music rekindles his bond with wife Lydia. The film reveals how love endures across generations—even as memories fade.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
The Story
Pancit is a heartfelt exploration of love’s enduring power across generations. Alex, an 89-year-old Filipino man struggling with dementia, often loses himself in moments of confusion. As a former musician, jazz music brings a spark of joy to his uncertain world. Meanwhile, his wife Lydia, 87, is burdened by the fear that her husband may forget her, leaving her to grapple with the emotional weight of his fading memory.
On Alex’s birthday, their 21-year-old granddaughter, Lani, brings her boyfriend home to introduce him to her grandparents. Much to their surprise, he shares a deep appreciation for jazz, and his connection with Alex ignites something beautiful. The music begins to rekindle the bond between Alex and Lydia, reminding them of their shared past and the love that transcends memory.
The film weaves together the timeless nature of love, showcasing how it can thrive across both old and young hearts, and how, even in the face of forgetfulness, the connections we make with others continue to define us.
Director's Statement
This story is inspired by my own grandparents, who are currently in their late 80s and living with dementia. The events portrayed are drawn from real moments in my life. My grandmother often speaks of her father, a musician, and music seems to have a powerful way of grounding them in the present. They have been married for nearly 58 years now which I have always admired and searched for myself. Although they forget many things, their love for each other never fades away. Through the lens of their experience and my favorite filipino dish, pancit, the film explores the delicate balance between memory, love, and the passage of time.
By donating, your help will bring my grandparents story to the big screen. I will use these funds to help find actors to bring life to my characters, provide transportation, find beautiful locations, and provide delicious, fueling food for my cast and crew. I hope to connect to every person who watches the film, especially those with a loved one struggling with dementia. I hope to show the importance and power of love through every stage of life. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to tell this story.
CHARACTERS
Lani: Lani is a free-spirited and curious 21-year-old Filipina who lives with her grandparents. Her heart is big but delicate, shaped by love and quiet responsibility. She’s deeply caring, always putting others before herself, especially her grandparents, whom she lovingly looks after. Though she moves through life with wonder and light, there’s a quiet strength beneath her gentle nature.
Alejandro: Alejandro (Alex for short) is an 89-year-old Filipino man living with dementia. Though mostly quiet, his emotions speak volumes through a glance, a smile, or a gentle touch. He uses a wheelchair, but his heart remains curious, drawn to small details and fleeting moments. A lifetime of rich experience lingers in his eyes, and even in silence, he has a quiet strength that tells his story.
Lydia: Lydia is a lively, warm-hearted 87-year-old woman whose love of singing keeps her spirit bright, even as early signs of dementia begin to show. She sometimes forgets details or repeats herself, but her joy and kindness never fade. Deeply caring and endlessly affectionate, she finds grounding and comfort in Alex, the love of her life, whose presence brings her peace even when the world feels uncertain.
Oliver: Oliver is a 22-year-old who works at a local ice cream shop and has a deep love for jazz music. Outgoing and adventurous, he’s always up for a good time and cares deeply for Lani. His playful nature and the way he connects with her grandparents through music remind them of their own love story. Oliver’s passion for life is matched only by his affection for Lani.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Locations
Costs $2,000
Help us find beautiful New York based locations to bring this film to life.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Thalia Torio, Writer & Director
Thalia Torio is a director and actress currently pursuing a degree in Film Production at SVA. Her directing credits include No Man Land and Dream to Drink, which both premiered at SVA Select 2025. In addition to her work as a director, she is also an accomplished cinematographer, with credits such as Luna and Teddy, which also debuted at the festival. Her work blends political and personal stories, reflecting her commitment to meaningful storytelling. Thalia has experience shooting a wide range of content, including commercials, music videos, and social media promos. She began her career as an actress and has been a proud member of SAG-AFTRA for five years, bringing a versatile and empathetic perspective to every project she works on.
Matt Haller, Producer
Matt Haller is a writer and filmmaker born in New Haven, CT. He has directed a number of short films, including ‘You Will Find Love’, ‘Burn Me Back’, and the upcoming queer short ‘Where’s Your Sunset Spot?’. He is also a producer and assistant director who has worked with many other young talented filmmakers. Along with being a filmmaker, he is a published essayist and art curator. Matt is elated to be producing ‘Pancit’ and is thrilled to bring this personal story to life!
Alexander Sarvide, Director of Photography
Alexander Sarvide is a Mexican-American award winning Director of Photography based in New York City. His work spans narrative, commercial, and music video projects, with a distinctive visual style shaped by both technical mastery and cultural perspective. Alexander has crafted visual imagery on over 18 short films and two international feature documentaries filmed in Spain and Armenia. Most recently, he served as Director of Photography on an Air Jordan campaign in collaboration with Who Decides War by Tela D’Amore. In October 2025, Alexander shot a 16mm promotional film for Jessica Lia Berry, directed by award-winning filmmaker Aristotle Torres. Shortly after, he production managed six commercial projects in just 12 days for Condé Nast, partnering with Vanity Fair x Sophia Bush, Allure, L’Oréal, Kérastase, Dove, and SheaMoisture. Grounded in his Mexican-American heritage, Alexander’s artistry lies in blending cultural identity with precise technical execution. Renowned for his sharp eye, quick problem-solving, and strong collaborative spirit, he brings both vision and reliability to every production—dedicated to crafting cinematic imagery that elevates the story at hand.
Sachie Hara, Production Designer
Sachie Hara is a 21 year old filmmaker from Brooklyn, New York. Currently studying film in her final year at The School of Visual Arts. She is a production designer and wardrobe stylist who specializes in coming of age and horror films.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
The Story
Pancit is a heartfelt exploration of love’s enduring power across generations. Alex, an 89-year-old Filipino man struggling with dementia, often loses himself in moments of confusion. As a former musician, jazz music brings a spark of joy to his uncertain world. Meanwhile, his wife Lydia, 87, is burdened by the fear that her husband may forget her, leaving her to grapple with the emotional weight of his fading memory.
On Alex’s birthday, their 21-year-old granddaughter, Lani, brings her boyfriend home to introduce him to her grandparents. Much to their surprise, he shares a deep appreciation for jazz, and his connection with Alex ignites something beautiful. The music begins to rekindle the bond between Alex and Lydia, reminding them of their shared past and the love that transcends memory.
The film weaves together the timeless nature of love, showcasing how it can thrive across both old and young hearts, and how, even in the face of forgetfulness, the connections we make with others continue to define us.
Director's Statement
This story is inspired by my own grandparents, who are currently in their late 80s and living with dementia. The events portrayed are drawn from real moments in my life. My grandmother often speaks of her father, a musician, and music seems to have a powerful way of grounding them in the present. They have been married for nearly 58 years now which I have always admired and searched for myself. Although they forget many things, their love for each other never fades away. Through the lens of their experience and my favorite filipino dish, pancit, the film explores the delicate balance between memory, love, and the passage of time.
By donating, your help will bring my grandparents story to the big screen. I will use these funds to help find actors to bring life to my characters, provide transportation, find beautiful locations, and provide delicious, fueling food for my cast and crew. I hope to connect to every person who watches the film, especially those with a loved one struggling with dementia. I hope to show the importance and power of love through every stage of life. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to tell this story.
CHARACTERS
Lani: Lani is a free-spirited and curious 21-year-old Filipina who lives with her grandparents. Her heart is big but delicate, shaped by love and quiet responsibility. She’s deeply caring, always putting others before herself, especially her grandparents, whom she lovingly looks after. Though she moves through life with wonder and light, there’s a quiet strength beneath her gentle nature.
Alejandro: Alejandro (Alex for short) is an 89-year-old Filipino man living with dementia. Though mostly quiet, his emotions speak volumes through a glance, a smile, or a gentle touch. He uses a wheelchair, but his heart remains curious, drawn to small details and fleeting moments. A lifetime of rich experience lingers in his eyes, and even in silence, he has a quiet strength that tells his story.
Lydia: Lydia is a lively, warm-hearted 87-year-old woman whose love of singing keeps her spirit bright, even as early signs of dementia begin to show. She sometimes forgets details or repeats herself, but her joy and kindness never fade. Deeply caring and endlessly affectionate, she finds grounding and comfort in Alex, the love of her life, whose presence brings her peace even when the world feels uncertain.
Oliver: Oliver is a 22-year-old who works at a local ice cream shop and has a deep love for jazz music. Outgoing and adventurous, he’s always up for a good time and cares deeply for Lani. His playful nature and the way he connects with her grandparents through music remind them of their own love story. Oliver’s passion for life is matched only by his affection for Lani.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Locations
Costs $2,000
Help us find beautiful New York based locations to bring this film to life.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Thalia Torio, Writer & Director
Thalia Torio is a director and actress currently pursuing a degree in Film Production at SVA. Her directing credits include No Man Land and Dream to Drink, which both premiered at SVA Select 2025. In addition to her work as a director, she is also an accomplished cinematographer, with credits such as Luna and Teddy, which also debuted at the festival. Her work blends political and personal stories, reflecting her commitment to meaningful storytelling. Thalia has experience shooting a wide range of content, including commercials, music videos, and social media promos. She began her career as an actress and has been a proud member of SAG-AFTRA for five years, bringing a versatile and empathetic perspective to every project she works on.
Matt Haller, Producer
Matt Haller is a writer and filmmaker born in New Haven, CT. He has directed a number of short films, including ‘You Will Find Love’, ‘Burn Me Back’, and the upcoming queer short ‘Where’s Your Sunset Spot?’. He is also a producer and assistant director who has worked with many other young talented filmmakers. Along with being a filmmaker, he is a published essayist and art curator. Matt is elated to be producing ‘Pancit’ and is thrilled to bring this personal story to life!
Alexander Sarvide, Director of Photography
Alexander Sarvide is a Mexican-American award winning Director of Photography based in New York City. His work spans narrative, commercial, and music video projects, with a distinctive visual style shaped by both technical mastery and cultural perspective. Alexander has crafted visual imagery on over 18 short films and two international feature documentaries filmed in Spain and Armenia. Most recently, he served as Director of Photography on an Air Jordan campaign in collaboration with Who Decides War by Tela D’Amore. In October 2025, Alexander shot a 16mm promotional film for Jessica Lia Berry, directed by award-winning filmmaker Aristotle Torres. Shortly after, he production managed six commercial projects in just 12 days for Condé Nast, partnering with Vanity Fair x Sophia Bush, Allure, L’Oréal, Kérastase, Dove, and SheaMoisture. Grounded in his Mexican-American heritage, Alexander’s artistry lies in blending cultural identity with precise technical execution. Renowned for his sharp eye, quick problem-solving, and strong collaborative spirit, he brings both vision and reliability to every production—dedicated to crafting cinematic imagery that elevates the story at hand.
Sachie Hara, Production Designer
Sachie Hara is a 21 year old filmmaker from Brooklyn, New York. Currently studying film in her final year at The School of Visual Arts. She is a production designer and wardrobe stylist who specializes in coming of age and horror films.