Refrain

A single-minded pianist in her 30s struggles with a debt dating twenty years back from the time when she was still young and learning how to play.

  • Joseph Dominic Aquino Cruz
    Director
  • Joseph Dominic Aquino Cruz
    Writer
  • Maiqui Tolentino
    Producer
  • April Hernandez
    Key Cast
    "Lisa"
  • Amber Gomez
    Key Cast
    "Young Lisa"
  • Ardan Arcega
    Cinematographer
  • Tyra Alvarade
    Assistant Director
  • Tara Illenberger
    Editor
  • Joseph Dominic Aquino Cruz
    Editor
  • Chris Cantos
    Editor
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    20 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    March 19, 2025
  • Country of Origin:
    Philippines
  • Country of Filming:
    Philippines
  • Language:
    English, Tagalog
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.39:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • QCinema International Film Festival
    Quezon City
    Philippines
    November 9, 2024
    International Premiere
Director Biography - Joseph Dominic Aquino Cruz

Joseph Dominic Cruz is a writer and director based out of Las Piñas City, Philippines. His short documentary Hope Spots was selected as a finalist for the 30th CCP Gawad Alternatibo, and the 2019 Sinag Maynila Film Festival. In addition, his short film In Search Of was a finalist for the 33rd CCP Gawad Alternatibo under the experimental category, while his other short In Passing was a part of the curated section of the 34th CCP Gawad Alternatibo under the animation category.

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Director Statement

Refrain tells the story of Lisa, who in her 30s, still allows herself to get heartbroken through her non-existent music career. She insists on holding onto those dreams that she once, and more importantly, her parents unconditionally emotionally and financially supported. Even to their own detriment. Lisa has found herself in an emotional conundrum-- whether to be or not to be? And should she let go, would her parents' existence go along with it? To whom is she indebted to?

The film takes inspiration from the myth of Sisyphus. Lisa is no different. She is a woman trying to hold on and push forward, even if it may lead her to nowhere.