“I Was Speechless”: Joella Cabalu’s Daring Documentary

Acclaimed Filipino-Canadian director Joella Cabalu joins *Take One with Samantha Fremont* to discuss her daring documentary *First Comes Love: Nakabingwit*, set for its world premiere at the 2026 Vancouver International Film Festival. In this episode, Joella opens up about the film’s complex conversations around race, culture, family and learning to love — and the questions that can emerge when those worlds collide.Tickets: https://viff.org/whats-on/viff26-first-comes-love/#book  Thanks: National Film Board of Canada and the Vancouver International Film Festival Land Acknowledgement: We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land where Samantha’s part was recorded. We also acknowledge the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, whose unceded traditional territories include Vancouver, where Joella’s part was recorded. We extend our respect to all Indigenous communities in Australia, Canada and beyond. Recording Date: 9 September 2026