Trailer Unveiled by the National Film Board of Canada
The National Film Board of Canada (NFB) released the first look at First Comes Love: Nakabingwit this week, sparking immediate buzz among both documentary enthusiasts and fans of romantic comedy. The trailer, which drops just weeks before the film’s world premiere, offers a glimpse into a project that blends the observational precision of documentary filmmaking with the charm and timing of classic rom‑com storytelling.
In one of the opening moments, a partner quips, “It’s not my responsibility to educate you, and, also, we’re in a relationship,” setting a tone that is simultaneously witty, candid, and unapologetically honest. The line encapsulates the film’s central premise: love is complicated enough, but when cultural and racial differences enter the equation, the dialogue becomes even richer.
The Film’s Premise: Love Across Cultures
Directed by Joella Cabalu, First Comes Love: Nakabingwit follows three mixed‑Filipina/white couples as they navigate the early stages of romance. The documentary’s premise is deceptively simple—watch three couples meet, date, and confront the everyday realities of a mixed‑race partnership. Yet the film dives deep into the ways that divergent life experiences, social privileges, and cultural expectations shape the dynamics of intimacy.
Cabalu’s approach is rooted in the tradition of 1990s romantic comedies, where meet‑cutes and witty banter drive the narrative. By juxtaposing that stylistic lineage with the unfiltered lens of contemporary reality‑TV dating shows, the documentary captures both the nostalgia of classic love stories and the raw honesty of modern relationships.
Meet the Three Couples
- Veronica and Mathilde – Montreal
Veronica, a second‑generation Filipino‑Canadian, and Mathilde, a native Quebecer, first cross paths at an art exhibition. Their chemistry is instant, yet they quickly discover differences in family expectations and language use that require delicate negotiation. - Justine and Dom – Toronto
Justine, a Toronto‑based graphic designer, meets Dom, a white software engineer, through a mutual friend’s birthday party. Their cultural clash becomes most evident during holiday celebrations, prompting both partners to re‑evaluate long‑standing traditions. - Rhea and Eric – Vancouver
Rhea, a Filipino graduate student, and Eric, a local musician, connect over a shared love of indie cinema. Their relationship highlights the subtle ways that racial identity can influence career choices, social circles, and even the perception of “belonging” within a city’s multicultural fabric.
Through interviews, candid camera moments, and reflective voice‑overs, the film offers an intimate portrait of each partnership’s triumphs and tribulations, allowing viewers to see love in its most authentic form.
Humor Meets Hard Truths
While the documentary’s heart is undeniably romantic, Cabalu does not shy away from the uncomfortable realities of interracial dating. The couples confront micro‑aggressions, family skepticism, and internalized bias—all presented with a gentle humor that never feels forced. One of the most striking scenes shows a dinner with both families, where jokes about “who’s the exotic one” give way to heartfelt explanations of cultural heritage, turning potential embarrassment into a learning moment for everyone at the table.
This balance of levity and solemnity makes First Comes Love: Nakabingwit a rare addition to the documentary canon: a genuine rom‑com that delights while it educates. The film underscores that love’s rewards—trust, growth, and shared joy—are amplified when partners choose to face uncomfortable truths together.
Festival Run and Release Dates
First Comes Love: Nakabingwit will debut at the Vancouver International Film Festival on October 3, where it will compete in the festival’s documentary program. Following its premiere, the film is scheduled to screen at the Reelworld Film Festival on October 25, a venue known for championing diverse voices in Canadian cinema.
The NFB has indicated that after its festival circuit, the documentary will be made available on the organization’s streaming platform, offering broader access to audiences worldwide.
Why This Documentary Stands Out
In an era where most romantic stories are scripted, First Comes Love: Nakabingwit presents love as it truly exists—messy, humorous, and profoundly human. Its focus on mixed‑Filipina/white couples provides a lens that has been under‑represented in both mainstream cinema and documentary film. By marrying the structural elements of a rom‑com with the investigative rigor of documentary storytelling, Joella Cabalu delivers a work that feels fresh, relevant, and emotionally resonant.
For anyone interested in the intersections of culture, identity, and romance, the film promises a compelling viewing experience that will linger long after the credits roll.
