Los Angeles, USA – In the heart of Hollywood, a powerful documentary highlighted the untold sacrifices of Filipino doctors who left their homeland to serve in the United States. Faith Healers, an independent feature documentary, made its world premiere at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre on March 7 as part of the Manila International Film Festival (MIFF). This film, directed by Regina Aquino, includes the untold stories of Filipino doctors who braved cultural displacement and immense personal sacrifice to serve the American healthcare system, particularly during its critical expansion in the 1960s and beyond.

More than just a film screening, the event was a moment of recognition—an acknowledgment of the generations of Filipino physicians who answered the call to heal, often at great personal cost. Among the esteemed guests present were First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque, Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, and Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez, underscoring the significance of this narrative on the global stage.

Directed by Regina Aquino, the film captured the struggles and triumphs of physicians, from long hours in understaffed hospitals to the silent battles of homesickness and identity. Featured in the documentary are Dr. Zorayda Lee-Llacer and Dr. Randy Lizardo, whose personal journeys encapsulate the broader experience of an entire generation of healers.

“Faith Healers is more than a documentary—it is a tribute to the countless Filipino medical professionals who gave their lives to serve others,” said DTI Secretary Roque. “Their sacrifices, often made in the face of isolation and hardship, have profoundly impacted the American healthcare landscape. ‘Faith Healers’ ensures their stories are not only remembered but celebrated around the world.”

Beyond the screening, the film sparked deeper conversations during a post-show Q&A session, where audiences reflected on themes of immigration, identity, and the Filipino spirit of Kapwa—the deep-rooted belief in shared humanity.

As Filipino cinema gains momentum on the global stage, the premiere of Faith Healers at a historic Hollywood venue is a testament to the growing recognition of Filipino stories in mainstream media. The film not only preserves a crucial chapter of Filipino-American history but also honors the selfless contributions of those who, through their devotion to healing, have shaped lives far beyond their own.

With Faith Healers, the world now bears witness to a truth long known in Filipino communities—that behind the sterile walls of hospitals and clinics stand healers whose greatest calling is not just to treat, but to serve, to endure, and to give of themselves completely. ♦

Date of release: 13 March 2025

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