FIRST COMES LOVE: NAKABINGWIT

Joella Cabalu | Canada | 2026 | 65m

From whirlwind romance to raising mixed-race children, for three Filipina–white couples, love unfolds alongside harder conversations about race, belonging and what it takes to stay.

Joella Cabalu is a Filipino Canadian filmmaker whose documentaries examine intimacies, identities, and relationships with wit, care, and emotional precision. Her award-winning work brings playfulness and nuance to complex social dynamics.

IN THE MORNING SUN

Serville Poblete | Canada | 2026 | 20m

In a quiet Toronto apartment, an immigrant mother finds comfort in her Alexa—weather updates, love songs, and the time back home become a lifeline to the Philippines, reminding her of the family she left behind. In the Morning Sun is a gentle portrait of aging, migration, and memory.

Serville Poblete is an independent filmmaker and writer from Toronto's Bleecker Street neighbourhood. His short documentary King's Court, produced with Kate Vollum and the National Film Board of Canada, had its world premiere at Hot Docs 2025, was nominated for a 2026 Canadian Screen Award for Best Short Documentary, and is now streaming on NFB.ca. Serville's latest short documentary, In the Morning Sun, won the Grand Jury Prize at SXSW 2026, the Golden Gate Award at SFFILM 2026, and the Golden Reel at LAAPFF, and continues to screen at festivals internationally. His feature, Sunburn, was selected for the 2026 Tribeca Creators Market and will have its World Premiere at TIFF 2026 in the Centrepiece section. He is currently developing two new projects, A Good Commotion and Angeles (Town of Angels).