By Lita Cabal
NEW WESTMINSTER, BC – A new documentary short film, Beyond Smile, is amplifying the voices of Filipino healthcare professionals while confronting the systemic racism embedded within healthcare systems. Directed by emerging young Filipino-Canadian filmmaker Ethan Cabal and produced by Inarte Society – The Filipino-Canadian Society for Interactive Arts & Events, the film was developed with the support of the Province of British Columbia’s Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Grant.
A Tribute and a Call to Action
Beyond Smile features five Filipino healthcare professionals and two lawmakers sharing deeply personal stories about resilience, sacrifice, and discrimination. The documentary takes an unflinching look at the legacy of colonialism, the “model minority” myth, and the emotional cost of being publicly praised as frontline heroes while quietly enduring systemic inequities.
“This film is both a tribute and a call to action,” said Ethan Cabal. “Beyond Smile is not just my film—it is a voice for a community that has been overlooked and undervalued for too long.”
Community Collaboration
The Inarte Society led the production efforts, bringing together a team of passionate filmmakers and advocates. The organization has expressed its gratitude to the cast, crew, and healthcare professionals whose courage and honesty made the project possible.
“We are deeply thankful for the support of the BC Anti-Racism Program and everyone who contributed to this film,” said Ryan Ferrer for the Inarte Society. “This documentary is an important step in acknowledging the struggles faced by Filipino healthcare workers while celebrating their resilience and dedication.”
The documentary short film will be premiered at the upcoming SinePilipinas – the Philippine independent film screening in Metro Vancouver. The 3-day event will feature several full-feature films from the Philippines and short films from various filmmakers from Canada, US and the Philippines. Film screening will be August 8 in Burnaby (Metrotown Hall), August 9 at the Anvil Centre in New Westminster, and August 10 at the Centre Stage in Surrey City Hall
About the Director
Ethan Cabal is a young Filipino-Canadian filmmaker currently based in Vancouver, BC. His filmmaking journey began in high school, where he received multiple awards and festival recognitions. After a semester at California State University, Northridge, Cabal returned to Canada to continue his studies at Vancouver Community College, with plans to transfer to a top-tier film school.
ReyFort Media 
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